Electricity Cost in District of Columbia (July 2026)
Electricity in District of Columbia costs 25.21 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 38% above the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 43rd cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $226.89 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 District of Columbia by usage
| Monthly usage | District of Columbia bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $126.05 | $91.55 | +$34.50 |
| 900 kWh | $226.89 | $164.79 | +$62.10 |
| 1,200 kWh | $302.52 | $219.72 | +$82.80 |
| 1,500 kWh | $378.15 | $274.65 | +$103.50 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 25.21¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average District of Columbia household used 639 kWh a month (below the US average of 863) and paid $113.23, which included fees (17.71¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $161.09.
What appliances cost to run in District of Columbia
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $69.02 | +$18.89 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $55.22 | +$15.11 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $73.62 | +$20.15 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $214.73 | +$58.77 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $9.20 | +$2.52 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $6.14 | +$1.68 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $23.01 | +$6.30 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $103.53 | +$28.34 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $23.01 | +$6.30 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $9.20 | +$2.52 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $3.07 | +$0.84 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $18.41 | +$5.04 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $12.27 | +$3.36 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $3.83 | +$1.05 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $3.68 | +$1.01 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $46.01 | +$12.59 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $92.03 | +$25.19 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $110.43 | +$30.23 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $6.14 | +$1.68 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $61.35 | +$16.79 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 25.21¢/kWh.
In District of Columbia, one electric dryer costs about $23.01 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $69.02. Every kWh you save is worth 25.21 cents here, so efficiency upgrades pay back faster than the national norm.
Has the price changed in District of Columbia?
The residential rate moved from 23.04¢ in July 2025 to 25.21¢ in July 2026: +2.17¢ per kWh (+9.4%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $19.53 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- Connecticut: 24.16¢/kWh (1.05¢ cheaper)
- New Jersey: 25.19¢/kWh (0.02¢ cheaper)
- New Hampshire: 26.60¢/kWh (1.39¢ pricier)
- Rhode Island: 28.29¢/kWh (3.08¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $226.89.
District of Columbia is in the South Atlantic region. Cheaper in the region: Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, West Virginia, Georgia, Virginia, Delaware, Maryland. All: Florida (15.03¢), North Carolina (15.16¢), South Carolina (15.47¢), West Virginia (15.78¢), Georgia (16.27¢), Virginia (17.55¢), Delaware (18.48¢), Maryland (21.41¢).
Ways to cut your bill in District of Columbia
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 25.21¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in District of Columbia.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 25.21 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in District of Columbia?
The average residential rate in District of Columbia was 25.21 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 38% above the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks District of Columbia 43rd cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in District of Columbia?
In 2024, the average District of Columbia home used 639 kWh a month and paid $113.23, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 25.21¢ rate, the same 639 kWh would cost about $161.09 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in District of Columbia?
Yes. The residential price was 25.21¢ in July 2026 compared with 23.04¢ in July 2025, a change of +2.17¢ (+9.4%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in District of Columbia?
About $252.10 in energy charges at 25.21¢/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).