Montana 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 Montana is 14.99¢/kWh (the 14th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $133.30, per EIA data. That rate is 3.3¢ below the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 14.28 | 116.98 | 819 |
| September 2025 | 14.64 | 103.59 | 708 |
| October 2025 | 14.27 | 94.55 | 663 |
| November 2025 | 12.82 | 98.77 | 771 |
| December 2025 | 12.77 | 126.43 | 990 |
| January 2026 | 12.86 | 141.44 | 1100 |
| February 2026 | 13.33 | 129.91 | 974 |
| March 2026 | 13.48 | 118.11 | 876 |
| April 2026 | 13.90 | 109.08 | 784 |
| May 2026 | 14.67 | 101.68 | 693 |
| June 2026 | 15.14 | 102.44 | 677 |
| July 2026 | 14.99 | 133.30 | 889 |
Montana vs the U.S. average
| Montana | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 14.99¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $133.30 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 889 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +5.0% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +29.9% | +32.4% |
Montana's average residential rate of 14.99¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 14th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +5.0% (Montana) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +29.9% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 889 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how Montana's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in Montana
Average effective rates and bills for Montana's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy LLC | 16.31 | 138.25 | 848 | 337,688 |
| Flathead Electric Coop Inc | 11.91 | 101.01 | 848 | 65,352 |
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 Montana rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at Montana's average rate of 14.99¢/kWh is about $149.90. The state's actual average usage is 889 kWh/month, which is what produces the $133.30 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: Montana 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.