- Hawaii is predicted to have the hardest hit, with this year’s household electricity bill estimated to cost up to $3,450.55.
- In contrast, Utah is projected to have the most affordable annual electricity bill, totaling only $1,047.27.
- The national average is forecasted to be approximately $1,730.55 per typical household.
New data has revealed the state that is expected to have the highest electricity bill this year, with Hawaii anticipated to pay out the most, and Utah to pay out the least.
The study, conducted by electricity experts Texas Electricity Ratings, analyzed state-by-state Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA) data to predict the annual electricity bill across the country. By comparing consumer costs between November 2022 and 2023, an annual increase was calculated for each state, determining a total bill for each household.
The States Anticipating the Priciest Electricity Bill
Hawaii stands out as the state with the highest projected annual electricity bill, totaling $3,450.55 per household. Despite consuming 24.5% less electricity than the national average, it bared the highest cost per kilowatt-hour nationwide last year at 43.53 cents. With expenses 2.6 times higher than the national average, residents in Hawaii are expected to pay $287.54 per month at their current consumption rates.
States with the Highest Estimated Electricity Bill for 2024
| Rank | State | Annual Bill Estimate |
| 1 | Hawaii | $3,450.55 |
| 2 | Maine | $2,383.75 |
| 3 | Florida | $2,367.14 |
| 4 | Connecticut | $2,362.28 |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $2,361.85 |
| 6 | Maryland | $2,265.19 |
| 7 | California | $2,196.94 |
| 8 | Arizona | $2,190.60 |
| 9 | Nevada | $2,132.50 |
| 10 | Alabama | $2,064.63 |
Maine is projected to face the second-highest household electricity bill at $2,383.75, costing 30% less than Hawaii. Despite consuming 1.5 times less electricity annually than the national average, the state is expected to undergo the most substantial price increase among all states at 23.35%. Florida, expected to reach $2,367.14 this year, is also anticipating a price hike of 10%. With their 2023 bill estimated at around $2151.66, residents will now be paying about 16.9 cents per kilowatt-hour. Connecticut follows closely, with residents facing a cost of $2,362.28, a mere five dollars less than Maine, yet $264.13 more than the previous year. Lastly, Rhode Island is set to incur a charge of approximately $2,361.85, which is 36.5% more than the national average.
Rounding out the top ten is Maryland at $2,265.19, California at $2,196.94, Arizona at $2,190.60, Nevada at $2,132.50, and Alabama at $2,064.63.
The States Anticipating the Cheapest Electricity Bill
In contrast, Utah can expect a substantially lower annual electricity bill, amounting to $1,047.27. Despite experiencing a 4.5% price increase over the past two years, residents can still be estimated to save $2,197.14 more than Hawaii. Whilst consuming 12.5% more electricity, Utah residents reportedly only paid 11.03 cents per kilowatt-hour in 2023 – 1.5 times lower than the national average.
| Rank | State | Annual Bill Estimate |
| 1 | Utah | $1,047.27 |
| 2 | Wyoming | $1,110.19 |
| 3 | Colorado | $1,194.74 |
| 4 | Montana | $1,210.21 |
| 5 | Illinois | $1,227.15 |
| 6 | New Mexico | $1,253.41 |
| 7 | North Dakota | $1,290.96 |
| 8 | Washington | $1,304.84 |
| 9 | Nebraska | $1,306.60 |
| 10 | Kansas | $1,312.22 |
Wyoming will receive the second-lowest bill at $1,110.19, costing only 6% more than Utah. Despite an annual electricity consumption that is 41.6% higher than in states like California, data predicts a minor price increase of 4.62%. Colorado, which is projected to hit around the $1,194.74 mark this year, is anticipating an even smaller price increase at 0.4%. Considering their average 2023 household bill was estimated at approximately $1,189.84, residents could only pay an extra five dollars. Montana follows suit, costing residents an additional $15 at $2,362.28, where they will now be paying 13 cents per kilowatt-hour. Finally, Illinois is expected to be charged around $1,227.15, marking a 29% cut from the national average.
Making up the remaining top ten is New Mexico at $1,253.41, North Dakota at $1,290.96, Washington at $1,304.84, Nebraska at $1,306.60, and Kansas at $1,312.22.
Commenting on the findings, a spokesperson for Texas Electricity Ratings said, “Where household electricity bills increased an average of 3.38% across the nation in 2023, consumers must gain insight into the factors shaping their electricity bills, going beyond the total costs for 2024.”
“To navigate these changes effectively, households can consider embracing more energy-efficient practices. Simple adjustments, such as optimizing refrigerator and freezer temperatures, reducing shower durations, and incorporating energy-efficient lighting options like LEDs or motion-sensor lights, can significantly diminish electricity bills. Even choosing to launder clothes in warm or cold water, as opposed to hot water, makes an impactful step towards achieving both financial savings and environmental sustainability.”
