In July 2026, homes in California paid an average of 33.61¢ per kWh, the 2nd most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 83.6% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 2.9% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in California used 487 kWh a month, for an average bill of $161 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in California
California gets more of its electricity from solar than almost any other state, though natural gas is still the largest single source. The state also imports part of its power from neighboring states, and most homes are served by large investor-owned utilities.
- natural gas 36%
- solar 27%
- hydropower 14%
- nuclear 9%
- wind 8%
- geothermal 5%
- biomass 2%
The California Public Utilities Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in California.
What drives electricity prices in California
California's high prices come less from the cost of generating power than from the cost of delivering it. The three big investor-owned utilities have spent heavily on wildfire prevention, burying lines and paying wildfire claims, and those costs are recovered through customers' rates, alongside state programs for low-income customers and clean energy.
Natural gas is still the largest source of power, but solar is close behind, and the state imports electricity from the Northwest and the Southwest. On sunny spring afternoons power is often cheap or even surplus, while evenings, when solar fades, are the most expensive hours. Many homes are on time-of-use rates that reflect this.
Prices vary a lot by utility. City-owned utilities such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the Sacramento Municipal Utility District usually charge less than the investor-owned utilities. Thanks to a mild coastal climate, smaller homes and long-standing efficiency standards, California homes use less electricity than homes in almost any other state, which keeps bills lower than the price alone would suggest.
Average electric bill in California
Over the last 12 months the average California home paid $161 a month for electricity, the 20th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $192 for 571 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in California used the most electricity in September, when air conditioning drives usage up: an average of 632 kWh and a $202 bill. The lightest month was April, at 392 kWh and $138.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 33.61¢typical | $168.05 | $2,017 |
| 1,000 kWh × 33.61¢ | $336.10 | $4,033 |
| 1,500 kWh × 33.61¢ | $504.15 | $6,050 |
| 2,000 kWh × 33.61¢ | $672.20 | $8,066 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in California by month
Businesses in California paid 30.56¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 2nd most expensive for business power), and industrial users paid 25.11¢. See business electricity rates in California.
Electric companies in California
32 utilities deliver electricity to homes in California. The largest is Pacific Gas & Electric Co., serving 5,055,556 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Pacific Gas & Electric Co. | 5,055,556 | 37.52¢ |
| Southern California Edison Co | 4,627,247 | 31.48¢ |
| Los Angeles Department of Water & Power | 1,415,602 | 26.48¢ |
| San Diego Gas & Electric Co | 1,378,465 | 45.77¢ |
| Sacramento Municipal Util Dist | 601,275 | 18.93¢ |
| Imperial Irrigation District | 142,916 | 18.69¢ |
| City of Anaheim | 107,148 | 19.37¢ |
| Modesto Irrigation District | 104,671 | 23.03¢ |
| City of Riverside | 101,042 | 21.94¢ |
| Turlock Irrigation District | 80,976 | 17.40¢ |
"Avg. home rate" is what each utility's full-service residential customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold). Delivery-only utilities have no full-service rate.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in California?
Only in limited cases. Individual direct access is capped and mostly non-residential; many cities buy power through Community Choice Aggregation instead. Most households buy electricity from their local utility.
California compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 12.77¢ | $119 |
| Arizona | 15.38¢ | $162 |
| Oregon | 15.97¢ | $132 |
| California | 33.61¢ | $161 |
California electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in California?
The average home in California paid $161 a month over the last 12 months, using 487 kWh. That is the 20th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $192.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in California?
Homes paid an average of 33.61¢ per kWh in July 2026, 83.6% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 30.56¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in California?
September, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $202 (632 kWh), compared with $138 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in California?
Only in limited cases. Individual direct access is capped and mostly non-residential; many cities buy power through Community Choice Aggregation instead. Most households buy electricity from their local utility.
What are the largest electric companies in California?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Pacific Gas & Electric Co. (5,055,556), Southern California Edison Co (4,627,247), Los Angeles Department of Water & Power (1,415,602).
Latest CA electric rates, bills and usage: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities and suppliers: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.