Montana 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 Montana is 15.57¢/kWh (the 19th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $122.11, per EIA data. That rate is 2.6¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 14.64 | 103.63 | 708 |
| October 2025 | 14.27 | 94.60 | 663 |
| November 2025 | 12.82 | 98.85 | 771 |
| December 2025 | 12.78 | 126.57 | 991 |
| January 2026 | 12.85 | 141.34 | 1100 |
| February 2026 | 13.32 | 129.84 | 974 |
| March 2026 | 13.47 | 118.03 | 876 |
| April 2026 | 13.90 | 109.08 | 784 |
| May 2026 | 14.67 | 101.69 | 693 |
| June 2026 | 15.14 | 102.44 | 677 |
| July 2026 | 14.99 | 133.30 | 889 |
| August 2026 | 15.57 | 122.11 | 784 |
Montana vs the U.S. average
| Montana | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 15.57¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $122.11 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 784 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +9.0% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +34.1% | +30.5% |
Montana's average residential rate of 15.57¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 19th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +9.0% (Montana) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +34.1% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 784 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Montana's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Montana
Average effective rates and bills for Montana's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy LLC | 18.62 | 115.75 | 622 | 337,936 |
| Flathead Electric Coop Inc | 11.23 | 109.82 | 978 | 65,507 |
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 Montana rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Montana's average rate of 15.57¢/kWh is about $155.70. The state's actual average usage is 784 kWh/month, which is what produces the $122.11 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: Montana 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.