Electricity Cost in California (July 2026)
Electricity in California costs 33.61 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 84% above the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 50th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $302.49 a month in energy charges.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, July 2026, released September 24, 2026. Dollar figures below are computed from this rate.
Monthly electric bill in California by usage
| Monthly usage | California bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $168.05 | $91.55 | +$76.50 |
| 900 kWh | $302.49 | $164.79 | +$137.70 |
| 1,200 kWh | $403.32 | $219.72 | +$183.60 |
| 1,500 kWh | $504.15 | $274.65 | +$229.50 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 33.61¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average California household used 503 kWh a month (below the US average of 863) and paid $160.86, which included fees (31.97¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $169.06.
What appliances cost to run in California
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $92.02 | +$41.89 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $73.61 | +$33.51 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $98.15 | +$44.68 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $286.28 | +$130.32 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $12.27 | +$5.59 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $8.18 | +$3.72 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $30.67 | +$13.96 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $138.03 | +$62.83 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $30.67 | +$13.96 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $12.27 | +$5.59 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $4.09 | +$1.86 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $24.54 | +$11.17 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $16.36 | +$7.45 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $5.11 | +$2.33 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $4.91 | +$2.23 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $61.34 | +$27.93 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $122.69 | +$55.85 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $147.23 | +$67.02 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $8.18 | +$3.72 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $81.79 | +$37.23 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 33.61¢/kWh.
In California, one electric dryer costs about $30.67 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $92.02. Every kWh you save is worth 33.61 cents here, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster than the national norm.
Has the price changed in California?
The residential rate moved from 32.66¢ in July 2025 to 33.61¢ in July 2026: +0.95¢ per kWh (+2.9%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $8.55 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- Massachusetts: 30.49¢/kWh (3.12¢ cheaper)
- Maine: 32.41¢/kWh (1.20¢ cheaper)
- Hawaii: 48.00¢/kWh (14.39¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $302.49.
California is in the Pacific Contiguous region. Cheaper in the region: Washington, Oregon. All: Washington (14.71¢), Oregon (15.97¢).
Ways to cut your bill in California
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 33.61¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in California.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 33.61 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in California?
The average residential rate in California was 33.61 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 84% above the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks California 50th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in California?
In 2024, the average California home used 503 kWh a month and paid $160.86, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 33.61¢ rate, the same 503 kWh would cost about $169.06 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in California?
Yes. The residential price was 33.61¢ in July 2026 compared with 32.66¢ in July 2025, a change of +0.95¢ (+2.9%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in California?
About $336.10 in energy charges at 33.61¢/kWh, compared with $183.10 at the US average. Fixed customer charges and taxes on your utility bill come on top.
Sources: EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A (July 2026); EIA Electric Sales, Revenue, and Average Price (2024).