Energy Calculators

Electricity rates in District of Columbia

The average residential electricity price in District of Columbia was 25.98¢/kWh in August 2026, 43.1% above the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh (EIA).

Average price (Aug 2026)
25.98¢/kWh
Change vs Aug 2025
+12.1%+2.80¢/kWh
Rank (1 = most expensive)
9thof 51
vs U.S. average
+43.1%+7.82¢/kWh

District of Columbia residential electricity price, last 12 months

District of Columbia vs U.S. average residential electricity price, last 12 monthsDistrict of Columbia: 23.6¢ in Sep 2025, 26.0¢ in Aug 2026. Low 22.7¢, high 26.0¢.15.0¢17.5¢20.0¢22.5¢25.0¢27.5¢Nov 2025Feb 2026May 2026Aug 2026
· cents per kWh
Show data table
MonthDistrict of ColumbiaU.S. average
Aug 202626.0¢18.2¢
Jul 202625.2¢18.3¢
Jun 202624.4¢18.4¢
May 202625.4¢18.4¢
Apr 202625.4¢18.9¢
Mar 202625.0¢18.6¢
Feb 202624.0¢17.6¢
Jan 202623.7¢17.4¢
Dec 202523.9¢17.1¢
Nov 202522.7¢17.8¢
Oct 202523.9¢17.9¢
Sep 202523.6¢18.1¢

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Aug 2026). Retrieved November 5, 2026. About our data

What common appliances cost to run in District of Columbia

Worked examples at 25.98¢/kWh, the August 2026 average:

  • Running a 1,500 W space heater 6 hours a day for 30 days uses 270 kWh and costs about $70.15.
  • Running a 3,500 W central air conditioner 8 hours a day for 30 days uses 840 kWh and costs about $218.23.
  • Running a refrigerator using 500 kWh per year uses 500 kWh and costs about $129.90 a year.

Try your own appliance in the appliance cost calculator.

Typical monthly use and bill

District of Columbia residential customers used an average of 639 kWh a month in 2025 (EIA annual data). At 25.98¢/kWh, that works out to about $166.01 a month.

States with similar prices

Compare all 50 states and DC

Frequently asked questions

Is electricity expensive in District of Columbia?

District of Columbia ranked 9th most expensive of 51 (50 states and DC) in August 2026, at 25.98¢/kWh versus the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.

How have District of Columbia electricity prices changed over the past year?

The average residential price rose from 23.18¢/kWh in August 2025 to 25.98¢/kWh in August 2026, a change of +12.1%.

What is a typical electric bill in District of Columbia?

Residential customers in District of Columbia used an average of 639 kWh a month in 2025. At 25.98¢/kWh that is about $166.01 a month. Use the electric bill calculator for your own usage.

Why might my District of Columbia rate differ from this average?

The state average blends every utility, rate plan and fixed charge in the state. Utilities, co-ops and municipal providers set different tariffs, and time-of-use or tiered plans change the price of each kWh. Divide your bill total by your kWh for your own average rate.

Data last updated: