Depending on what part of the country you live in, those electric bills can be a killer. That becomes even more pronounced during the summer and winter months. For instance, I live in North Carolina, right by the South Carolina border. I don’t really have a bad electric bill at all during fall, winter, and spring, but once those blazing summers roll around, I’m digging deep into my pockets and dishing out the big bucks.
According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average American household spends 12.70 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity (approximately the amount you use watching a plasma tv for three hours).
In residential terms, the states that pay the most are Hawaii (32.09), Rhode Island (22.67), Massachusetts (22.57), Alaska (21.74), and Connecticut (21.56).
The lowest rates for residential use are in Missouri (9.28), North Dakota (9.16), Arkansas (9.03), Louisiana (8.84), and Oklahoma (8.80).
Here is a map that breaks it down by state.
Photo Credit: HowMuch.net
It’s important to keep in mind the electricity rates for commercial and industrial buildings as well.
Here is a map of the commercial rate breakdown. These buildings include businesses and retail establishments. The top five most expensive states for commercial rates are Hawaii (30.64), Alaska (19.28), Rhode Island (18.39), Connecticut (17.44), and Massachusetts (17.02).
Photo Credit: HowMuch.net
The priciest states for industrial electricity are Hawaii (26.73), Massachusetts (17.12), Alaska (16.91), Rhode Island (14.74), Connecticut (14.51).
And finally, here’s a breakdown of industrial electricity rates across the country. These structures include large production facilities or production plants.
Photo Credit: HowMuch.net
Are you seeing a pattern here? It must be pretty expensive to live in Hawaii, Alaska, and Massachusetts, among other states. FYI, industrial and commercial electricity rates are less expensive than residential rates because residential electricity delivery is the least efficient of the three.
Do you think your electric bills are out of control? Share your thoughts in the comments.
