District of Columbia Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through July 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 13, 2026
As of July 2026, the average residential electricity rate in District of Columbia is 25.21¢/kWh (the 9th-highest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $208.59, per EIA data. That rate is 6.9¢ above the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 23.19 | 170.79 | 737 |
| September 2025 | 23.67 | 129.43 | 547 |
| October 2025 | 23.92 | 115.49 | 483 |
| November 2025 | 22.72 | 108.30 | 477 |
| December 2025 | 23.90 | 181.76 | 760 |
| January 2026 | 23.72 | 188.00 | 793 |
| February 2026 | 23.97 | 170.30 | 711 |
| March 2026 | 25.00 | 166.46 | 666 |
| April 2026 | 25.41 | 118.70 | 467 |
| May 2026 | 25.40 | 127.52 | 502 |
| June 2026 | 24.39 | 144.98 | 594 |
| July 2026 | 25.21 | 208.59 | 827 |
District of Columbia vs the U.S. average
| District of Columbia | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 25.21¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $208.59 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 827 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +9.4% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +95.9% | +32.4% |
District of Columbia's average residential rate of 25.21¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 43rd of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +9.4% (District of Columbia) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +95.9% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 827 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how District of Columbia's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in District of Columbia
Average effective rates and bills for District of Columbia's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Potomac Electric Power Co | 23.79 | 183.59 | 772 | 295,802 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at District of Columbia rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at District of Columbia's average rate of 25.21¢/kWh is about $252.10. The state's actual average usage is 827 kWh/month, which is what produces the $208.59 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: District of Columbia gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.