In July 2026, businesses in the District of Columbia paid an average of 23.88¢ per kWh, the 5th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 64.3% above the U.S. commercial average of 14.53¢.
That price is up 15.4% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average commercial customer in the District of Columbia used 21,352 kWh a month and paid $4,817 (U.S.: $896).
Average business electric bill in the District of Columbia
The average commercial customer in the District of Columbia paid $4,817 a month over the last 12 months, the highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average business bill was $5,899. These averages mix small shops with large offices and stores, so use the table below to estimate a bill for your own usage.
What would a business pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 kWh × 23.88¢ | $1,194.00 | $14,328 |
| 10,000 kWh × 23.88¢ | $2,388.00 | $28,656 |
| 50,000 kWh × 23.88¢ | $11,940.00 | $143,280 |
Commercial electricity rates in the District of Columbia by month
Business power in the District of Columbia cost 23.88¢ per kWh in July 2026, compared with 25.21¢ for homes and 32.15¢ for industrial users. See home electricity rates in District of Columbia.
Utilities serving businesses in the District of Columbia
Potomac Electric Power Co serves the most business customers in the District of Columbia, with 27,605 commercial accounts.
| Utility | Business customers | Avg. business rate |
|---|---|---|
| Potomac Electric Power Co | 27,605 | 23.62¢ |
"Avg. business rate" is what each utility's full-service commercial customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold), shown only for utilities with at least 100 business customers.
Can businesses choose an electricity supplier in the District of Columbia?
Yes. Businesses in the District of Columbia can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, and many sign fixed-price contracts to make costs predictable. The local utility still delivers the power.
Compare current offers on the official state site: DC Power Connect.
How to lower your business electricity cost
- Check your rate schedule. Utilities put businesses on rate classes by size and usage. Ask your utility whether another schedule, such as a time-of-use rate, fits how you use power.
- Manage demand charges. If your bill has a demand charge, it is set by your highest short burst of usage in the month. Staggering when large equipment starts can lower it.
- Compare supply offers. Check the price per kWh, contract length, early-termination fees and what happens when the contract ends before you sign.
Business electricity rates in neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh |
|---|---|
| Virginia | 11.68¢ |
| Maryland | 17.51¢ |
| District of Columbia | 23.88¢ |
District of Columbia business electricity FAQ
What is the average business electric bill in the District of Columbia?
Commercial customers in the District of Columbia paid an average of $4,817 a month over the last 12 months, using 21,352 kWh. This average covers every kind of business, from small shops to large offices, so a small business will usually pay much less.
What is the commercial electricity rate in the District of Columbia?
The average commercial rate was 23.88¢ per kWh in July 2026, 64.3% above the U.S. average of 14.53¢. Industrial customers paid 32.15¢ per kWh, and homes paid 25.21¢.
Can businesses choose their electricity supplier in the District of Columbia?
Yes. Businesses in the District of Columbia can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier, while the local utility keeps delivering it. Official offers are listed on DC Power Connect.
What is a demand charge?
Many commercial rates include a demand charge based on the highest amount of power (kW) a business draws during a short interval, often 15 or 30 minutes, in the billing month. Starting large equipment at different times can lower it.
DC commercial and industrial electricity prices and bills: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.