Iowa Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in Iowa is 17.06¢/kWh (the 23rd-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $148.72, per EIA data. That rate is 1.1¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 14.67 | 111.66 | 761 |
| October 2025 | 13.36 | 94.38 | 707 |
| November 2025 | 13.42 | 90.07 | 671 |
| December 2025 | 12.48 | 122.41 | 980 |
| January 2026 | 12.82 | 138.32 | 1079 |
| February 2026 | 12.72 | 110.86 | 872 |
| March 2026 | 13.41 | 108.33 | 808 |
| April 2026 | 13.86 | 92.23 | 666 |
| May 2026 | 14.14 | 98.12 | 694 |
| June 2026 | 15.93 | 136.46 | 856 |
| July 2026 | 15.99 | 193.22 | 1209 |
| August 2026 | 17.06 | 148.72 | 872 |
Iowa vs the U.S. average
| Iowa | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 17.06¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $148.72 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 872 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +10.2% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +17.0% | +30.5% |
Iowa's average residential rate of 17.06¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 29th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +10.2% (Iowa) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +17.0% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 872 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Iowa's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Iowa
Average effective rates and bills for Iowa's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidAmerican Energy Co | 15.23 | 118.99 | 781 | 646,536 |
| Interstate Power and Light Co | 21.48 | 192.65 | 897 | 419,914 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at Iowa rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Iowa's average rate of 17.06¢/kWh is about $170.60. The state's actual average usage is 872 kWh/month, which is what produces the $148.72 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: Iowa gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.