Electricity Cost in Tennessee (July 2026)
Electricity in Tennessee costs 13.71 cents per kWh on average for homes in July 2026 – 25% below the US average of 18.31¢. That is the 5th cheapest of 51 states and DC. A home using 900 kWh pays about $123.39 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 Tennessee by usage
| Monthly usage | Tennessee bill | At US average | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $68.55 | $91.55 | −$23.00 |
| 900 kWh | $123.39 | $164.79 | −$41.40 |
| 1,200 kWh | $164.52 | $219.72 | −$55.20 |
| 1,500 kWh | $205.65 | $274.65 | −$69.00 |
Energy charge only: kWh × 13.71¢. Fixed fees and taxes are not included.
In 2024 the average Tennessee household used 1,154 kWh a month (above the US average of 863) and paid $143.32, which included fees (12.42¢ per kWh over that year). At the July 2026 rate, that same usage would run about $158.21.
What appliances cost to run in Tennessee
| Appliance | Watts | Use | Per month | vs US average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Space heater | 1,500 | 6 h/day | $37.54 | −$12.59 |
| Window AC | 900 | 8 h/day | $30.03 | −$10.08 |
| Portable AC | 1,200 | 8 h/day | $40.04 | −$13.43 |
| Central AC | 3,500 | 8 h/day | $116.78 | −$39.18 |
| Refrigerator | 150 | 8 h/day | $5.00 | −$1.68 |
| Chest freezer | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.34 | −$1.12 |
| Dehumidifier | 500 | 6 h/day | $12.51 | −$4.20 |
| Electric water heater | 4,500 | 3 h/day | $56.30 | −$18.89 |
| Clothes dryer | 3,000 | 1 h/day | $12.51 | −$4.20 |
| Dishwasher | 1,200 | 1 h/day | $5.00 | −$1.68 |
| Washing machine | 400 | 1 h/day | $1.67 | −$0.56 |
| Electric oven | 2,400 | 1 h/day | $10.01 | −$3.36 |
| Gaming PC | 400 | 4 h/day | $6.67 | −$2.24 |
| TV | 100 | 5 h/day | $2.09 | −$0.70 |
| Ceiling fan | 60 | 8 h/day | $2.00 | −$0.67 |
| Hot tub | 1,500 | 4 h/day | $25.02 | −$8.40 |
| Pool pump | 1,500 | 8 h/day | $50.05 | −$16.79 |
| EV Level 2 charger | 7,200 | 2 h/day | $60.06 | −$20.15 |
| Electric blanket | 100 | 8 h/day | $3.34 | −$1.12 |
| Mini split | 1,000 | 8 h/day | $33.36 | −$11.19 |
Typical wattage and daily hours from our appliance pages; month = 30.42 days; rate 13.71¢/kWh.
In Tennessee, one electric dryer costs about $12.51 a month and a space heater used 6 hours a day about $37.54. Every kWh you save is worth 13.71 cents here, so payback on efficiency upgrades is slower than the national norm.
Has the price changed in Tennessee?
The residential rate moved from 13.21¢ in July 2025 to 13.71¢ in July 2026: +0.50¢ per kWh (+3.8%). Nationally the change was +0.86¢ (+4.9%). For a 900 kWh month that is an extra $4.50 compared with a year earlier.
Compare with other states
- Utah: 13.12¢/kWh (0.59¢ cheaper)
- North Dakota: 13.41¢/kWh (0.30¢ cheaper)
- Idaho: 13.73¢/kWh (0.02¢ pricier)
- Nebraska: 13.78¢/kWh (0.07¢ pricier)
- Cheapest in the US: Louisiana at 12.72¢/kWh – 900 kWh would cost $114.48 instead of $123.39.
Tennessee is in the East South Central region. Tennessee has the lowest rate in the region. All: Kentucky (13.81¢), Mississippi (14.54¢), Alabama (16.40¢).
Ways to cut your bill in Tennessee
- Run your own numbers in the electricity cost calculator.
- Compare heating options at 13.71¢/kWh with the heat pump vs furnace calculator.
- See what it costs to charge an electric car in Tennessee.
- Estimate savings from solar panels: each kWh produced offsets 13.71 cents.
Frequently asked questions
How much is electricity per kWh in Tennessee?
The average residential rate in Tennessee was 13.71 cents per kWh in July 2026. That is 25% below the US average of 18.31 cents, and ranks Tennessee 5th cheapest of 51 (50 states plus DC).
What is the average electric bill in Tennessee?
In 2024, the average Tennessee home used 1,154 kWh a month and paid $143.32, versus $142.26 nationally. At today's 13.71¢ rate, the same 1,154 kWh would cost about $158.21 in energy charges.
Is electricity getting more expensive in Tennessee?
Yes. The residential price was 13.71¢ in July 2026 compared with 13.21¢ in July 2025, a change of +0.50¢ (+3.8%). The US average moved +0.86¢ over the same period.
How much does a 1,000 kWh month cost in Tennessee?
About $137.10 in energy charges at 13.71¢/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).