Electricity Cost in Montana (July 2026)
Electricity in Montana costs 14.99 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 18% below the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 14th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $134.91 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 Montana by usage
| Monthly usage | Montana bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $74.95 | $91.55 | −$16.60 |
| 900 kWh | $134.91 | $164.79 | −$29.88 |
| 1,200 kWh | $179.88 | $219.72 | −$39.84 |
| 1,500 kWh | $224.85 | $274.65 | −$49.80 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 14.99¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average Montana household used 852 kWh a month (below the US average of 863) and paid $107.91, which included fees (12.66¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $127.71.
What appliances cost to run in Montana
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $41.04 | −$9.09 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $32.83 | −$7.27 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $43.78 | −$9.70 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $127.68 | −$28.28 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $5.47 | −$1.21 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.65 | −$0.81 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $13.68 | −$3.03 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $61.56 | −$13.63 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $13.68 | −$3.03 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $5.47 | −$1.21 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $1.82 | −$0.40 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $10.94 | −$2.42 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $7.30 | −$1.62 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $2.28 | −$0.50 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $2.19 | −$0.48 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $27.36 | −$6.06 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $54.72 | −$12.12 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $65.66 | −$14.54 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.65 | −$0.81 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $36.48 | −$8.08 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 14.99¢/kWh.
In Montana, one electric dryer costs about $13.68 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $41.04. Every kWh you save is worth 14.99 cents here, so payback on efficiency upgrades is slower than the national norm.
Has the price changed in Montana?
The residential rate moved from 14.27¢ in July 2025 to 14.99¢ in July 2026: +0.72¢ per kWh (+5.0%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $6.48 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- Mississippi: 14.54¢/kWh (0.45¢ cheaper)
- Washington: 14.71¢/kWh (0.28¢ cheaper)
- Florida: 15.03¢/kWh (0.04¢ pricier)
- North Carolina: 15.16¢/kWh (0.17¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $134.91.
Montana is in the Mountain region. Cheaper in the region: Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Wyoming. All: Nevada (12.77¢), Utah (13.12¢), Idaho (13.73¢), Wyoming (14.36¢), Arizona (15.38¢), New Mexico (16.09¢), Colorado (17.00¢).
Ways to cut your bill in Montana
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 14.99¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in Montana.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 14.99 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in Montana?
The average residential rate in Montana was 14.99 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 18% below the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks Montana 14th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in Montana?
In 2024, the average Montana home used 852 kWh a month and paid $107.91, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 14.99¢ rate, the same 852 kWh would cost about $127.71 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in Montana?
Yes. The residential price was 14.99¢ in July 2026 compared with 14.27¢ in July 2025, a change of +0.72¢ (+5.0%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in Montana?
About $149.90 in energy charges at 14.99¢/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).