In July 2026, homes in Washington paid an average of 14.71¢ per kWh, the 13th cheapest of the 50 states and DC and 19.7% below 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 Washington used 932 kWh a month, for an average bill of $132 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in Washington
Hydropower generates most of Washington's electricity, a larger share than in any other state, which helps keep prices below the national average. Public utility districts and city-owned utilities serve about half of homes.
- hydropower 63%
- natural gas 16%
- wind 8%
- nuclear 8%
- coal 3%
- other 2%
The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in Washington.
What drives electricity prices in Washington
Hydropower makes most of Washington's electricity, a larger share than in any other state, and dams on the Columbia and Snake rivers have kept prices below the national average for decades. Much of that federal hydropower is sold by the Bonneville Power Administration at rates based on its costs, mainly to public utilities.
That is why public utility districts and city-owned utilities, such as Seattle City Light, serve about half of the state's homes, while Puget Sound Energy is the largest investor-owned utility. Prices are rising, though: Bonneville raised its power and transmission rates in 2025, demand is growing, and dry years cut hydro output.
The Clean Energy Transformation Act of 2019 required utilities to stop using coal power by the end of 2025, to be greenhouse-gas neutral by 2030 and to use only clean electricity by 2045. There is no retail choice.
Average electric bill in Washington
Over the last 12 months the average Washington home paid $132 a month for electricity, the 13th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $126 for 856 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in Washington used the most electricity in January, when electric heating drives usage up: an average of 1,269 kWh and a $175 bill. The lightest month was September, at 745 kWh and $103.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 14.71¢ | $73.55 | $883 |
| 1,000 kWh × 14.71¢typical | $147.10 | $1,765 |
| 1,500 kWh × 14.71¢ | $220.65 | $2,648 |
| 2,000 kWh × 14.71¢ | $294.20 | $3,530 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in Washington by month
Businesses in Washington paid 11.78¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 17th cheapest for business power), and industrial users paid 7.51¢.
Electric companies in Washington
38 utilities deliver electricity to homes in Washington. The largest is Puget Sound Energy Inc, serving 1,104,338 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound Energy Inc | 1,104,338 | 17.01¢ |
| City of Seattle | 472,309 | 14.74¢ |
| PUD No 1 of Snohomish County | 349,905 | 12.08¢ |
| Avista Corp | 247,159 | 14.16¢ |
| PUD No 1 of Clark County | 223,119 | 10.63¢ |
| City of Tacoma | 177,554 | 11.45¢ |
| PacifiCorp | 114,998 | 14.33¢ |
| PUD No 1 of Benton County | 50,835 | 9.13¢ |
| PUD No 1 of Cowlitz County | 48,849 | 9.23¢ |
| PUD No 2 of Grant County | 43,160 | 6.17¢ |
"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 Washington?
No. Households in Washington 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).
Washington compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho | 13.73¢ | $114 |
| Washington | 14.71¢ | $132 |
| Oregon | 15.97¢ | $132 |
Washington electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in Washington?
The average home in Washington paid $132 a month over the last 12 months, using 932 kWh. That is the 13th lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $126.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in Washington?
Homes paid an average of 14.71¢ per kWh in July 2026, 19.7% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 11.78¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in Washington?
January, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $175 (1,269 kWh), compared with $103 in September, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in Washington?
No. Households in Washington 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 Washington?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Puget Sound Energy Inc (1,104,338), City of Seattle (472,309), PUD No 1 of Snohomish County (349,905).
Latest WA 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.