Average electric bill · Washington, D.C.
Average electric bill in Washington, D.C.
The average Washington, D.C. household paid about $113 a month for electricity in 2024 — using around 639 kWh at an all-in 17.71¢/kWh. That's roughly $29 below the U.S. average. Here's what's behind it.
Avg bill
$113
below U.S.
Avg use
639
kWh/mo · below U.S.
All-in price
17.71¢
per kWh · above U.S.
Why Washington, D.C.'s bill lands where it does
A relatively high price (17.71¢) but one of the lowest bills — dense apartments and condos keep usage low (639 kWh).
It's worth separating the two: a bill is price × usage. Washington, D.C.'s price is 17.71¢/kWh (1.2¢ above average) and its usage is 639 kWh (224 kWh below average). Neither runs high, which is why the bill is low.
What makes up that 17.71¢/kWh
The all-in price isn't all "the electricity." Of Washington, D.C.'s 17.71¢/kWh, the supply (generation) portion — the part you can sometimes shop — averages around 16.25¢ across the utilities we track, roughly 92% of it. The rest is delivery, fixed charges, and taxes, which you can't shop.
That supply piece is also where 2025–26 increases landed (the PJM capacity spike). See your utility's rate change →
How to lower your Washington, D.C. bill
- See where your kWh goes. Most of the bill is usage, so find your biggest loads. Appliance cost calculator →
- Check the supply rate. Washington, D.C. has retail choice — if a supplier charges more than the default rate, that's a fixable overcharge. Run the free audit →
- If the bill is more than you can cover, there's assistance and shutoff protection. Bill help in Washington, D.C. →
Common questions
- What is the average electric bill in Washington, D.C.?
- About $113 a month in 2024, for roughly 639 kWh at an all-in average of 17.71¢/kWh (EIA). That's 29 dollars below the U.S. average of $142.
- Why is the electric bill in Washington, D.C. relatively low?
- A relatively high price (17.71¢) but one of the lowest bills — dense apartments and condos keep usage low (639 kWh).
- Is Washington, D.C.'s electricity expensive?
- Washington, D.C.'s all-in price is 17.71¢/kWh — 1.2¢ above the U.S. average. Both the price and usage are moderate, which keeps the bill low.
- How can I lower my electric bill in Washington, D.C.?
- Check whether a supplier is overcharging you versus your utility's default rate (a fixable overcharge), use the cost calculator to find your biggest loads, and see if you qualify for bill assistance. None of these erase a structural rate increase, but together they help.
Source: EIA, 2024 average monthly bill (all-in: supply + delivery + charges + taxes). State averages update annually; your bill depends on your home and usage. Compare all states →