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Electricity Rates in California

Homes in California paid an average of 33.61¢ per kWh in July 2026, 84% above the U.S. average (18.31¢). That's the 50th lowest rate of the 50 states and DC, and 6% higher than in August 2025.

Average rate
33.61¢
per kWh, July 2026
Rank
50th
lowest of 51
Average bill
$163.68
a month, 487 kWh

Data: EIA, July 2026. Average residential price and use.

California rate over the last 12 months

29¢32.5¢36¢August 2025: 31.65¢ per kWhSeptember 2025: 32.04¢ per kWhOctober 2025: 33.60¢ per kWhNovember 2025: 31.89¢ per kWhDecember 2025: 34.71¢ per kWhJanuary 2026: 30.29¢ per kWhFebruary 2026: 33.22¢ per kWhMarch 2026: 33.35¢ per kWhApril 2026: 35.25¢ per kWhMay 2026: 33.25¢ per kWhJune 2026: 34.74¢ per kWhJuly 2026: 33.61¢ per kWhAug 2025Jul 202633.61¢
Show the monthly rates
California average residential electricity rate, last 12 months
MonthCents per kWh
August 202531.65¢
September 202532.04¢
October 202533.60¢
November 202531.89¢
December 202534.71¢
January 202630.29¢
February 202633.22¢
March 202633.35¢
April 202635.25¢
May 202633.25¢
June 202634.74¢
July 202633.61¢

The rate went from 31.65¢ in August 2025 to 33.61¢ in July 2026. Rates often rise in summer, when demand peaks, so compare the same month year to year.

What appliances cost to run in California

At 33.61¢ per kWh, with typical wattage and daily use, 30 days a month. Price any appliance in California.

Monthly cost to run common appliances in California
AppliancePer monthUse
Space heater$121.001,500 W, 8 h a day
Central air conditioner (3 ton)$282.323,500 W, 8 h a day
Window air conditioner$72.60900 W, 8 h a day
Refrigerator$12.10150 W, 8 h a day
Electric clothes dryer$22.693,000 W, 0.75 h a day
Electric water heater$136.124,500 W, 3 h a day
Dishwasher$9.071,200 W, 0.75 h a day
TV (55 inch LED)$5.04100 W, 5 h a day
Desktop computer$12.10150 W, 8 h a day
LED bulb (60 W equivalent)$0.459 W, 5 h a day

California compared with nearby ranks

States with rates close to California
RankStateRate
48thMassachusetts30.49¢
49thMaine32.41¢
50thCalifornia33.61¢
51stHawaii48.00¢

See all 50 states and DC.

About these numbers

  • The rate is the EIA's average residential price for California: all residential revenue divided by kWh sold. It includes delivery charges and fees spread over every kWh.
  • Your rate depends on your utility and plan. Divide your bill's total by the kWh used to find yours.
  • The average bill uses the average monthly use over the last 12 months at the latest rate. Bills are higher in the months you heat or cool with electricity.

Questions people ask

What is the average electricity rate in California?

33.61¢ per kWh for homes in July 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That's 84% above the U.S. average of 18.31¢ and the 50th lowest of the 50 states and DC.

What is the average electric bill in California?

About $163.68 a month: the average California home uses 487 kWh a month (12-month average), at 33.61¢ per kWh. The U.S. average is about $159.30.

How much does it cost to run a space heater in California?

A 1,500 W space heater costs about $0.50 an hour in California, or $121.00 a month if it runs 8 hours a day.