California Electricity Rates & Prices
The typical California home pays about 35.25¢ per kilowatt-hour — roughly $317 a month at average usage. The figures here reflect the latest EIA reporting and show how California electricity prices compare to the national average, plus what's pushing them up or down.
Data status: freshDataset last updated Jul 7, 2026 (UTC). The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes monthly state data with a reporting lag, so the rates above reflect April 2026 activity. · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) · Methodology
California's average residential electricity price is 35.25¢/kWh for the latest complete EIA reporting month (April 2026). This places California in the high rate tier compared with other states. At 900 kWh of monthly usage, the estimated electricity bill is about $317.25 at the all-in average rate.
How California compares nationally
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Est. electricity cost: $317.25
Fees are already included: this uses the all-in average rate — energy, delivery, and utility fees together, not just the electricity. See what's inside the all-in rate.
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Similar-priced states
- Connecticut — 32.24¢/kWh
- Massachusetts — 29.45¢/kWh
- New York — 29.45¢/kWh
- Maine — 28.42¢/kWh
- Rhode Island — 28.30¢/kWh
West region
Cities in California
Price drivers (qualitative)
- Generation Mix: Renewable integration and natural gas backup
- Taxes & Fees: Public purpose programs and surcharges
- Transmission Constraints: Transmission investment for wildfire hardening
Regulatory signals
- Open rate cases: 0
- No regulatory events tracked yet.
FAQ
What is the average residential electricity price in California?
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.25¢/kWh (updated April 2026).
How is the bill estimate calculated?
The estimate uses: kWh * (35.25¢/kWh) / 100 at the EIA all-in average residential rate (delivery included).
Does the estimate include delivery fees and taxes?
Yes for delivery and utility fees: the all-in rate already includes delivery (T&D), fixed charges, and other utility fees. Locally billed taxes vary by area and utility.
More about electricity in California
- California electricity cost details
- California bill estimator
- Appliance running costs in California
- Electricity providers in California
- Energy comparison hub
Why prices vary by state · Common questions · 1,000 kWh bill · 1,500 kWh bill
Methodology & data
Average residential electricity price in cents per kWh from the published state-level dataset. Values are used as a reference benchmark for comparison and estimation.
Estimates use the EIA all-in average residential rate — energy, delivery, fixed charges, and utility fees together, not just the electricity itself. Fees are inside the rate, not an extra on top; how your own bill splits fixed versus per-kWh charges varies by utility.
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