In July 2026, homes in Montana paid an average of 14.99¢ per kWh, the 14th cheapest of the 50 states and DC and 18.1% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 5.0% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in Montana used 829 kWh a month, for an average bill of $115 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in Montana
Montana generates far more electricity than it uses and sends the surplus to other states. Its power comes from a near-even mix of coal and hydropower, plus a sizable share of wind.
- coal 35%
- hydropower 34%
- wind 22%
- natural gas 5%
- other 4%
The Montana Public Service Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in Montana.
Average electric bill in Montana
Over the last 12 months the average Montana home paid $115 a month for electricity, the 6th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $133 for 889 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in Montana used the most electricity in January, when electric heating drives usage up: an average of 1,100 kWh and a $141 bill. The lightest month was October, at 663 kWh and $95.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 14.99¢ | $74.95 | $899 |
| 1,000 kWh × 14.99¢typical | $149.90 | $1,799 |
| 1,500 kWh × 14.99¢ | $224.85 | $2,698 |
| 2,000 kWh × 14.99¢ | $299.80 | $3,598 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in Montana by month
Businesses in Montana paid 13.33¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 25th most expensive for business power), and industrial users paid 7.71¢.
Electric companies in Montana
14 utilities deliver electricity to homes in Montana. The largest is NorthWestern Energy LLC, serving 333,713 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy LLC | 333,713 | 14.42¢ |
| Flathead Electric Coop Inc | 64,334 | 10.04¢ |
| Yellowstone Valley Elec Co-op | 21,471 | 14.22¢ |
| Montana-Dakota Utilities Co | 19,626 | 12.33¢ |
| USBIA-Mission Valley Power | 16,353 | 9.39¢ |
| Missoula Electric Coop, Inc | 14,867 | 10.93¢ |
| Fergus Electric Coop, Inc | 6,855 | 15.91¢ |
| Northern Lights, Inc | 4,700 | 13.06¢ |
| Lower Yellowstone R E A, Inc | 3,247 | 9.20¢ |
| Fall River Rural Elec Coop Inc | 1,525 | 11.11¢ |
"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 Montana?
No. Households in Montana buy electricity from the utility that serves their address. Rates are set by the state utility commission (for investor-owned utilities) or by the utility's own board (for co-ops and city-owned utilities).
Montana compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 13.41¢ | $132 |
| Idaho | 13.73¢ | $114 |
| Wyoming | 14.36¢ | $114 |
| Montana | 14.99¢ | $115 |
| South Dakota | 15.37¢ | $140 |
Montana electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in Montana?
The average home in Montana paid $115 a month over the last 12 months, using 829 kWh. That is the 6th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $133.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in Montana?
Homes paid an average of 14.99¢ per kWh in July 2026, 18.1% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 13.33¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in Montana?
January, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $141 (1,100 kWh), compared with $95 in October, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Montana?
No. Households in Montana buy electricity from the utility that serves their address, at rates set by regulators or the utility's board.
What are the largest electric companies in Montana?
By number of residential customers in 2025: NorthWestern Energy LLC (333,713), Flathead Electric Coop Inc (64,334), Yellowstone Valley Elec Co-op (21,471).
Latest MT 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.