In July 2026, homes in the District of Columbia paid an average of 25.21¢ per kWh, the 9th most expensive of the 50 states and DC and 37.7% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 9.4% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in the District of Columbia used 630 kWh a month, for an average bill of $153 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia generates only a tiny fraction of the electricity it uses; nearly all of it is delivered over the regional grid from plants in other states. One utility, Pepco, delivers power to every home.
- natural gas 47%
- solar 27%
- biomass 27%
The Public Service Commission of the District of Columbia is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in the District of Columbia.
Average electric bill in the District of Columbia
Over the last 12 months the average District of Columbia home paid $153 a month for electricity, the 24th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $209 for 827 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in the District of Columbia used the most electricity in July, when air conditioning drives usage up: an average of 827 kWh and a $209 bill. The lightest month was April, at 467 kWh and $119.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 25.21¢typical | $126.05 | $1,513 |
| 1,000 kWh × 25.21¢ | $252.10 | $3,025 |
| 1,500 kWh × 25.21¢ | $378.15 | $4,538 |
| 2,000 kWh × 25.21¢ | $504.20 | $6,050 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in the District of Columbia by month
Businesses in the District of Columbia paid 23.88¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 5th most expensive for business power), and industrial users paid 32.15¢. See business electricity rates in District of Columbia.
Electric companies in the District of Columbia
1 utilities deliver electricity to homes in the District of Columbia. The largest is Potomac Electric Power Co, serving 324,763 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Potomac Electric Power Co | 324,763 | 20.77¢ |
"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 the District of Columbia?
Yes. Households in the District of Columbia can buy electricity from a licensed retail supplier instead of their utility; the utility still delivers the power and handles outages.
Compare current offers on the official state site: DC Power Connect.
Largest retail suppliers in the District of Columbia by residential customers (2025):
- CleanChoice Energy, Inc. (5,483 homes)
- MPower Energy NJ LLC (3,773 homes)
- SmartEnergy Holdings, LLC (3,370 homes)
- WGL Energy Services, Inc. (2,785 homes)
- Palmco Power DC, LLC (2,591 homes)
Listed by size only, as reported to EIA. This is not a recommendation.
District of Columbia compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia | 17.55¢ | $173 |
| Maryland | 21.41¢ | $209 |
| District of Columbia | 25.21¢ | $153 |
District of Columbia electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in the District of Columbia?
The average home in the District of Columbia paid $153 a month over the last 12 months, using 630 kWh. That is the 24th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $209.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in the District of Columbia?
Homes paid an average of 25.21¢ per kWh in July 2026, 37.7% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 23.88¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in the District of Columbia?
July, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $209 (827 kWh), compared with $119 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in the District of Columbia?
Yes. The District of Columbia lets households buy electricity from a retail supplier, while the local utility still delivers it. Compare offers on DC Power Connect, the official state site.
What are the largest electric companies in the District of Columbia?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Potomac Electric Power Co (324,763).
Latest DC 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.