Iowa 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 Iowa is 15.99¢/kWh (the 24th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $193.22, per EIA data. That rate is 2.3¢ below the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 15.58 | 153.07 | 982 |
| September 2025 | 14.79 | 111.95 | 757 |
| October 2025 | 13.48 | 94.71 | 703 |
| November 2025 | 13.55 | 90.46 | 667 |
| December 2025 | 12.60 | 122.82 | 975 |
| January 2026 | 12.83 | 138.50 | 1079 |
| February 2026 | 12.74 | 111.00 | 871 |
| March 2026 | 13.42 | 108.45 | 808 |
| April 2026 | 13.86 | 92.23 | 666 |
| May 2026 | 14.14 | 98.11 | 694 |
| June 2026 | 15.93 | 136.46 | 856 |
| July 2026 | 15.99 | 193.22 | 1209 |
Iowa vs the U.S. average
| Iowa | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 15.99¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $193.22 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 1209 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +4.4% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +11.1% | +32.4% |
Iowa's average residential rate of 15.99¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 24th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +4.4% (Iowa) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +11.1% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 1209 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Iowa's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Iowa
Average effective rates and bills for Iowa's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MidAmerican Energy Co | 13.86 | 193.59 | 1,397 | 646,029 |
| Interstate Power and Light Co | 20.73 | 225.01 | 1,086 | 419,977 |
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 Iowa rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Iowa's average rate of 15.99¢/kWh is about $159.90. The state's actual average usage is 1209 kWh/month, which is what produces the $193.22 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: Iowa 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.