How Much Is Electricity in California? 33.1¢ per kWh
California households pay an average of 33.1¢ per kWh — 84% above the U.S. average of 18.0¢ per kWh, and the 2nd highest of the 50 states and DC. Figures are from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (12-month average through July 2026), residential sector, average revenue per kWh.
What common appliances cost to run in California
Based on the average model we hold in each category, at 33.1¢ per kWh.
| Appliance | Average kWh a year | Per year | Per month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | 354 | $117 | about $10 a month |
| Freezers | 328 | $109 | about $9 a month |
| Wine Coolers | 147 | $49 | about $4 a month |
| Clothes Washers | 121 | $40 | about $3 a month |
| Clothes Dryers | 515 | $170 | about $14 a month |
| Dishwashers | 237 | $78 | about $7 a month |
| Room Air Conditioners | 592 | $196 | about $16 a month |
| Water Heaters | 1123 | $372 | about $31 a month |
The most efficient model in each category
Recent months
- July 2025 32.7¢
- August 2025 31.6¢
- September 2025 32.0¢
- October 2025 33.6¢
- November 2025 31.9¢
- December 2025 34.7¢
- January 2026 30.3¢
- February 2026 33.2¢
- March 2026 33.4¢
- April 2026 35.3¢
- May 2026 33.3¢
- June 2026 34.7¢
- July 2026 33.6¢