Washington 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 Washington is 14.63¢/kWh (the 12th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $119.88, per EIA data. That rate is 3.5¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 13.80 | 102.03 | 739 |
| October 2025 | 14.07 | 109.46 | 778 |
| November 2025 | 13.86 | 123.11 | 888 |
| December 2025 | 13.35 | 156.45 | 1172 |
| January 2026 | 13.80 | 175.21 | 1269 |
| February 2026 | 14.10 | 153.43 | 1088 |
| March 2026 | 14.39 | 157.18 | 1092 |
| April 2026 | 14.36 | 130.76 | 910 |
| May 2026 | 14.95 | 112.99 | 756 |
| June 2026 | 14.91 | 113.59 | 762 |
| July 2026 | 14.71 | 125.89 | 856 |
| August 2026 | 14.63 | 119.88 | 819 |
Washington vs the U.S. average
| Washington | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 14.63¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $119.88 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 819 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +7.2% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +42.2% | +30.5% |
Washington's average residential rate of 14.63¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 12th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +7.2% (Washington) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +42.2% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 819 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Washington's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Washington
Average effective rates and bills for Washington's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Puget Sound Energy Inc | 20.92 | 141.97 | 679 | 1,115,486 |
| City of Seattle | 15.31 | 67.82 | 443 | 478,430 |
| PUD No 1 of Snohomish County | 13.19 | 96.54 | 732 | 353,759 |
| Avista Corp | 14.93 | 135.52 | 908 | 249,026 |
| PUD No 1 of Clark County | 10.87 | 97.49 | 897 | 225,567 |
| City of Tacoma | 13.59 | 93.98 | 692 | 176,126 |
| PacifiCorp | 14.81 | 168.11 | 1,135 | 115,660 |
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 Washington rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Washington's average rate of 14.63¢/kWh is about $146.30. The state's actual average usage is 819 kWh/month, which is what produces the $119.88 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: Washington 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.