The average cost of UK electricity prices have rapidly increased over the last few years and reached new highs in 2022.
According to theUK government figures, the average price of electricity in 2021 rose to new highs of £765 annually. Whilst we do not yet have access to average electricity prices for 2023, we can look at Ofgem’s energy price cap for comparison as the majority of UK households are on the price cap.
For information on non-domestic electricity please see our business electricity prices page.
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What Electricity Tariffs Are Available?
With so many options, it can be confusing to navigate the best tariff for you. However, once you think about how you use electricity in your home or business, it becomes much simpler to choose an electricity tariff. You can pick from the following:
Fixed TariffsChoosing a fixed electricity tariff offers security surrounding the amount you pay to the energy supplier each month. This means that you have a set price for each unit of electricity you use. These tariffs offer protection against price increases. It’s important to note that your energy bills are based on consumption so they may appear to be higher during colder months. Energy suppliers usually average this cost out over the year. | Pre-Payment TariffsPre-payment tariffs allow households to purchase electricity in advance of using it. You can top up your electricity meter online, or in-store via a card or key. This is a great way to closely manage your electricity spending. It is important to note that unit prices are usually higher than other tariffs and there’s always the risk of running out of electricity at an inconvenient time. |
Variable TariffsA standard variable contract, as it is sometimes known, is very popular in the UK. Even though the cost of electricity goes up and down in line with the electricity market, there are no exit fees and you’re free to switch suppliers at any time. | Green TariffsMost electricity suppliers offer green tariffs providing you with energy from renewable sources. These tariffs can be either fixed or variable and are often cheaper than standard tariffs. |
Dual Fuel TariffsChoosing separate electricity and gas suppliers can create more admin, so many UK households select a dual fuel tariff for more convenience. Dual fuel tariffs can be either fixed or variable and may offer discounts, but this varies by supplier. | Economy 7 or 10Economy 7 & 10 tariffs are for those night owls who use more electricity at night. The cost of electricity is much cheaper after a certain time and the price per unit can fluctuate based on the marker price. |
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Electricity Prices In 2023
Energy prices have reached unprecedented highs. With the increase in wholesale energy prices, many UK households are struggling with what to do about their energy bills
New forecasts project that the energy price cap will increase by 65% in October 2022 according to Cornwall Insights. This means that a typical UK household will pay £3,244 per year for their energy from October 2022.
The average household estimates are based on the usage of 12,000 kWh of gas and 2,900 of electricity.
How Much Is Electricity per kWh in the UK?
The table below shows how the energy price cap has increased in 2022 alone. It is expected to increase again in October 2022.
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March 2022 | From April 2022 | |
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Electricity Price Cap Price Per kWh |
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UK Electricity Price By Region
We’ve broken down regional electricity prices per kWh so that you can better anticipate what price increases you’re likely to see.
Region | Average Variable Unit Price, 2021 | Average Overall Bill, 2021 |
---|---|---|
East Midlands | 22.27p | £747 |
Eastern | 22.95p | £770 |
London | 22.79p | £776 |
Merseyside | 24.07p | £807 |
North East | 22.48p | £751 |
North Scotland | 23.39p | £793 |
North West | 22.40p | £748 |
Northern Ireland | 19.64p | £699 |
South East | 23.55p | £789 |
South Scotland | 22.44p | £757 |
South Wales | 23.50p | £787 |
South West | 23.66p | £796 |
Southern | 22.77p | £762 |
West Midlands | 22.80p | £763 |
Yorkshire | 22.50p | £751 |
UK Average | 22.77p | £766 |
All data comes from GOV.UK. While the regions may look a little strange they reflect the local Distribution Network Operator (DNO).
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Source: OFGEM 2022
Why Is Electricity So Expensive In The UK?
Turbulent electricity prices have been caused by many factors at the same time. The largest impact on UK energy prices is increasing import costs. However, there are many costs involved in transporting gas and electricity into homes.
- Increased Demand– as the UK starts its recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, the demand for global energy has soared.
- Weather– colder temperatures throughout winter and spring have led to increased gas usage to heat homes.
- Russia– the invasion of Ukraine has had a huge impact on energy prices as Russia is a major player in world energy markets.
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Why Do Wholesale Energy Costs Impact My Energy Bills?
You may think that UK energy suppliers are seeing increased profits but the energy price surge is largely down to the increase in wholesale energy prices. An estimated 60% of costs are taken up by wholesale prices.
The surge in wholesale prices has been so drastic, that it has caused a lot of UK energy suppliers to collapse or operate at a loss. Energy suppliers have little choice but to increase their prices to the cap level.
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Who Is The Cheapest Electricity Supplier In The UK?
With the UK energy market changing rapidly, it is impossible to highlight who the cheapest supplier is at this moment. However, we can highlight the UK’s largest energy companies as classified by Ofgem, the energy regulator.
The UK’s largest energy suppliers are:
- British Gas
- E.ON Next
- OVO Energy
- EDF Energy
- Scottish Power
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Business Electricity Suppliers
Business electricity is slightly different to home energy. Although still impacted by wholesale energy prices the market is more favourable for switching to a fixed rate tariff. Even with rising energy prices, many businesses are choosing to lock in energy prices to avoid future price increases. Business energy prices are not protected by the energy price cap.
Here are some of the cheapest business electricity available at the moment of writing. Please note that these prices are likely to have changed but this provides you with some ballpark figures. Overall consumption and industry can also impact electricity rates.
Business Electricity Supplier | Unit Rate (p/kWh) | Daily Standing Charge (p) |
---|---|---|
EDF | 32.00p | 25p |
Valda | 31.15p | 33p |
British Gas Lite | 32.80p | 40p |
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How Many kWh Per Month Is Normal?
What is seen as the normal amount should be a figure you aim for. Becoming more energy efficient and aware will help you reduce your energy bills. UK household electricity use has been dropping year on year with the advancement of energy-efficient appliances and more conscious consumption.
According to the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), the average UK household uses 3,721 kWh per year.
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Fixed Or Variable Electricity Tariffs?
An energy tariff is how suppliers charge a customer for gas and electricity. Tariffs are made up of two costs, a unit rate and a standing charge. You can read more about energy tariffs here.
Fixed Rate TariffsA fixed rate electricity tariff means your unit rate and the standing charge will remain the same for the duration of your agreement. The annual overall cost of your electricity bill will depend on your consumption - only the price per kWh of electricity will be fixed.
| Variable Rate TariffsVariable tariffs mean your unit rate and standing charge can increase or decrease at any time. If you’re on this type of tariff, energy suppliers may change the price of your rates in line with wholesale energy prices.
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Are Economy 7 Electricity Tariffs Cheaper?
Economy 7 tariffs can be cheaper depending on your use of energy. For example, if the majority of your usage is during off-peak hours it may be cheaper to switch to an Economy 7 tariff.
Economy 7 hours differ depending on the electricity supplier. The most common hours this window falls on is between 10 pm and 8:30 am. You should consider this tariff carefully as it may end up costing you more as peak unit rates are often higher priced than other tariffs.
What Is The Cheapest Way To Pay For Electricity?
With rising energy prices, many people are exploring ways to save money on their energy bills. Despite the obvious tip of using less electricity, the way you pay your energy supplier may also impact the price you pay.
- Direct Debit: £754
- Pre-Payment: £757
- Standard Credit: £810
Should I Switch Electricity Suppliers?
Switching electricity suppliers is still a good idea if you can get a fixed-rate tariff that is cheaper than the future Ofgem price cap projections. The mindset has switched from saving money on your current deal to managing the price of your electricity bill against future increases.
For business energy customers, the mindset is similar. Whilst there is no price cap for business energy, prices are increasing and there are greater switching options for businesses looking to manage the cost of their energy.
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How Can I Reduce My Electricity Bill?
Whilst switching your electricity supplier will save you the largest amount, you can change simple everyday habits to make sure you have some extra cash in your pocket every month.
Turn appliances off at the wallLeaving your appliances on standby can kill all your electricity savings throughout the year. Make it a part of your night-time schedule or integrate it with your smart home schedule. The Energy Savings Trust estimates that the average household will save up to £80 a year with this simple change. | Old appliances?You may be reluctant to throw out an appliance that is still going strong, but if they have a poor energy efficiency rating, it could be the invisible money pit in your home. The Energy Savings Trust estimates that simply upgrading a fridge freezer to an A+++ model from an A+ will save you £300 a year. |
Get a smart meterKeeping a watchful eye on your electricity usage can ensure your energy bills are not running away. It will be a reminder of how much leaving a light, TV or even appliances costs. You can use the smart meter to identify anything in your home that is driving up the cost of your electricity bills. |
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FAQs
Electricity | Compare Electricity Prices? ›
The Average Electricity Rate in the U.S. is 10.42 cents per kilowatt-hour. Hawaii has the highest average electricity rate of 30.55 cents per kilowatt-hour. Louisiana has the lowest average electricity rate of 7.01cents per kilowatt-hour.
Who has the cheapest rate for electricity? ›The Average Electricity Rate in the U.S. is 10.42 cents per kilowatt-hour. Hawaii has the highest average electricity rate of 30.55 cents per kilowatt-hour. Louisiana has the lowest average electricity rate of 7.01cents per kilowatt-hour.
How much does a kWh cost in Oklahoma? ›Electric rates in Oklahoma
The average residential electricity rate in Oklahoma is 13 ¢/kWh, which is 24% lower than the national average rate of 17 ¢/kWh.
Which provider has the cheapest energy in Connecticut? Verde Energy USA has the most affordable renewable energy plan in Connecticut. The average cost per kilowatt-hour in CT is a staggering 26.48 cents, which is one of the highest average supply rates in New England.
Who has the lowest electric rates in Illinois? ›Among the energy suppliers that offer 100% renewable energy plans, Eligo Energy has the lowest per-kWh option by far. The average rate for electricity in Illinois is 14.73 cents per kWh, but Eligo Energy's Green Variable plan provides electricity for just 5.90 cents per kWh.
What state has the highest electric bill? ›U.S. residential retail price of electricity 2022, by state
Hawaii is the U.S. state with the highest household electricity price. In September 2022, the average retail price of electricity for Hawaiian residences amounted to roughly 45 U.S. cents per kilowatt-hour.
As of February 2023, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is about 23 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Importantly, electricity rates can vary widely based on where you live.
What uses the most electricity in a home? ›- Wet appliances. Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill, taking the top spot in our list. ...
- Cold appliances. ...
- Consumer electronics. ...
- Lighting. ...
- Cooking.
According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the average American household consumed 10,632-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity last year. The average kWh per month was 886, while the average kWh per day was 29.
What are smart hours in Oklahoma? ›With SmartHours, you have control over your energy usage and bill. Shift your electricity use on weekdays between 2 and 7 p.m. from June 1 to September 30 and pay a lower price for electricity the other 19 hours, as well as on weekends, Juneteenth, Independence Day and Labor Day.
What is the cheapest hour for electricity? ›
It's cheaper at night, when demand for power is at its lowest. This quieter period is called the off-peak hours, which usually falls between 10pm and 8am. Conversely, peak hours are during the daytime, when more people are using electricity and demand is higher.
Does Edison increase rates? ›Southern California Edison wants you to know that electricity rates will increase effective Jan. 1, 2023. The rate change will begin appearing on your bill later in January or early February, depending on your billing cycle.
What is the average electric bill in CT? ›Monthly electric bills are a product of how much electricity you use per month and your electric rate. In Connecticut, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $246/month, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 897 kWh * 27 ¢/kWh.
Why are electric bills so high in Illinois? ›The high gas prices have now led to high electricity prices–because natural gas is often used to generate power.
What is a typical electric bill in Illinois? ›On average, Illinois residents spend about $136 per month on electricity. That adds up to $1,632 per year. That's 18% lower than the national average electric bill of $1,991.
Is gas cheaper than electric in Illinois? ›Gas is comparatively cheaper than electricity in the United States, and for cold climate cities like Chicago, a gas furnace is a better option as compared to electric heaters.
How much electricity does a 2000 square foot house use? ›Average kWh usage for a 2,000 square foot home: 1,325 kWh. Average kWh usage for a 3,000 square foot home: 1,840 kWh. Average kWh usage for a 4,000 square foot home: 2.200 kWh.
How much electricity does a TV use? ›Key Takeaways About TV Wattage
Generally, TVs use 106.9 kWh of electricity per year, costing you around $16.04 annually. The best way to save on electricity costs is to use solar energy to run your TV; it can be a solar powered TV or solar generator option.
Population density is also a factor since utilities will cost more where there is higher demand. Forbes Home found that the states of Hawaii and Alaska have the highest monthly utility bills while Utah and New Mexico have the lowest. Nationwide Americans spend an average of $429.33 per month on utilities.
Where is electricity cheapest in the US? ›...
Annual Average Price. per Kilowatthour. by State.
Rank | State | Average Electricity Rate for All Sectors (Cents per Kilowatthour) |
---|---|---|
1 | Idaho | 8.17 |
2 | Wyoming | 8.25 |
3 | Utah | 8.34 |
4 | Oklahoma | 8.52 |
What city has the most expensive electricity? ›
The city with the most expensive electricity in America is New York City. Electricity in New York City costs on average $0.17 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) compared to the national average of $0.12 per kWh.
Is 1 kWh per hour a lot? ›One kilowatt-hour of electricity is enough to: Watch television for 10 hours. Vacuum for one hour. Wash 12 pounds of laundry.
Does a hair dryer use a lot of electricity? ›On average, hair dryers use about 1,500 to 2,000 watts of electricity. Using a hair dryer for 10 minutes per day will use about 9.13 kilowatt-hours of electricity per month and 109.5 kilowatt-hours of electricity per year. A hair dryer costs an average of $1.30 to use for a month and $15.54 to use for a year.
What uses more electricity AC or heater? ›Because an electric furnace needs to generate heat, it uses far more electricity than an air conditioning unit as it works to keep your home warm.
What appliances use electricity even when turned off? ›Home office equipment such as power strips, desktop computers, monitors, printers, lamps, and anything with a digital display can use electricity even when they're turned off.
How many kWh does a refrigerator use per day? ›Domestic fridge power consumption is typically between 100 and 250 watts. Over a full day, a fridge records between 1 to 2 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of total energy usage, or about $150 per year per fridge.
How much energy does a 2 person household use? ›Typical electricity usage for a two-bedroom home sits between 2,500 and 3,000 kWh per year.
Is 50 kWh a day a lot? ›This too varies depending on the size of the solar array you've installed on your home, where you live, the weather, and many other factors. But since most homes are comparable enough in size and we can't control the weather, 50 kWh per day is a good number to use, though maybe a bit on the high end for some homes.
What are off-peak hours in Oklahoma? ›The On- Peak Hours are 2:00 pm to 7:00 pm, Monday through Friday during the On-Peak Season. The Off-Peak Season is the Company's billing months of November through May, inclusive. The Super Off-peak hours are 11:00 pm to 6:00 am, all days of the week during both the On-Peak and Off-Peak Seasons.
What time does electricity cost the most? ›Electricity prices are higher during peak demand hours and lower during off-peak hours. Peak times may vary by rate and/or energy provider but are generally defined as the hours between 4 to 9PM.
What months are OG&E smart hours? ›
With SmartHours, you have control over your energy usage and bill. Shift your electricity use on weekdays between 2 and 7 p.m. from June 1st to September 30th and pay a lower price for electricity the other 19 hours, as well as on weekends, Juneteenth, Independence Day and Labor Day.
What appliance uses the most energy? ›The largest electricity consumer in the average household is your heating and cooling appliance. By a long shot. Central air conditioners and heaters use tons of energy in order to keep your home set to the right temperature.
How does a generator make electricity? ›In a turbine generator, a moving fluid—water, steam, combustion gases, or air—pushes a series of blades mounted on a rotor shaft. The force of the fluid on the blades spins/rotates the rotor shaft of a generator. The generator, in turn, converts the mechanical (kinetic) energy of the rotor to electrical energy.
How much energy does the earth receive from the sun in one hour? ›According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 430 quintillion Joules of energy from the sun hits the earth each hour; humans use 410 quintillion Joules a year, and the average American household uses about 40 billion Joules of electricity.
Why is Edison bill so high? ›One reason is that California's size and geography inflate the “fixed” costs of operating its electric system, which include maintenance, generation, transmission, and distribution as well as public programs like CARE and wildfire mitigation, according to the study.
How to save money on Edison? ›Plug home electronics into power strips and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use. Unplug electronic devices and chargers when they aren't in use. Give your dryer a break and hang-dry your clothes. Set your thermostat to 78 degrees when you are home and to 85 degrees or “off” when you are away.
Why is my SCE bill so high in 2023? ›Reason for SCE rate increase of 2023
SCE has stated that these rate increases are necessary to cover the rising costs of purchased power and ongoing grid maintenance and repair.
Provider | Provider Score | Service Areas |
---|---|---|
Direct Energy | 4.41/5 | CT, IL, MA, MD, NH, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TX, DC |
Spark Energy | 3.95/5 | CT, IL, MA, NJ, NY, PA & TX |
Public Power | 3.81/5 | CT, IL, MD, MA, NY, OH, PA, RI, DC |
Major Energy | 3.18/5 | NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, IL, OH, MD |
STATE | Sep 2021 | MOVEMENT |
---|---|---|
Connecticut | 21.62¢ / kWh | UP |
DC | 13.21¢ / kWh | DOWN |
Delaware | 12.05¢ / kWh | DOWN |
Florida | 11.37¢ / kWh | DOWN |
Connecticut residents paid some of the highest amounts for electricity in the United States, second only to Hawaii, according to a new analysis from Ownerly. The report analyzed electricity price data from the Energy Information Administration to determine which states saw the greatest price increases in 2022.
Where does Illinois get most of its electricity? ›
Illinois generates more electricity from nuclear energy than any other state, accounting for one-eighth of the nation's total nuclear power generation.
How much has electricity gone up in Illinois? ›The 18.0 cents per kWh that Chicago area households paid for electricity in April 2023 was 9.1 percent more than the national average cost of 16.5 cents per kWh. In the previous four years, in April (2019-2022), electricity costs in the Chicago area were as much as 22.2 percent more than the national average.
How much is electricity in Chicago? ›Electric rates in Chicago, IL
The average residential electricity rate in Chicago, IL is 16 ¢/kWh, which is 5% higher than the average electricity rate in Illinois of 15.24 ¢/kWh. The average residential electricity rate in Chicago, IL is 7% lower than the national average rate of 17 ¢/kWh.
Among the energy suppliers that offer 100% renewable energy plans, Eligo Energy has the lowest per-kWh option by far. The average rate for electricity in Illinois is 14.73 cents per kWh, but Eligo Energy's Green Variable plan provides electricity for just 5.90 cents per kWh.
Is electricity expensive in Illinois? ›Last updated May 2023
The average Illinois commercial electricity rate is 11.18 ¢/kWh (12% lower than the national average). The average Illinois residential electricity rate is 17.09 ¢/kWh (7% higher than the national average).
The cost of living in Illinois is 8% lower than the national average. Housing is 20% lower than the national average, while utilities are 7% lower. When it comes to basic necessities such as food and clothing, groceries are around 5% lower than in the rest of the country, while clothing costs 5% lower.
Is it cheaper to heat with electric or gas? ›Therefore, it is 2.5 times more expensive to run an electric furnace than gas, on average. The U.S. Energy Information Administration estimated that electric heating costs for U.S. homeowners would average $1,359 in winter 2022 to 2023, while homes heated by natural gas would cost about $930 over the same time period.
What is the average water bill in Illinois? ›Utility | Average Illinois Bill |
---|---|
Electricity | $96 |
Gas | $97 |
Cable & Internet | $111 |
Water | $26 |
In general, gas dryers are more efficient than electric dryers. That's in part because gas dryers heat up much more quickly and generate more heat overall, which in turn dries clothes faster.
Who has the lowest electric rates in the US? ›Rank | State | Average Electricity Rate for All Sectors (Cents per Kilowatthour) |
---|---|---|
1 | Idaho | 8.17 |
2 | Wyoming | 8.25 |
3 | Utah | 8.34 |
4 | Oklahoma | 8.52 |
What is the lowest electricity rate in California? ›
FAQ: California Electricity Plans
However, the lowest rate overall is 8.27 cents per kWh from Clean Energy Alliance. The CEA Green Impact Plan offers this low rate as a part of its GEVTOU-2 rate structure.
- OhmConnect Energy – OhmConnect Energy offers traditional fixed rate plans and a Half Price Nights plan. ...
- Energy Texas – Energy Texas prices to win customers and it shows. ...
- Discount Power– Discount Power offers an aggressively priced 24 month electricity plan.
Monthly electric bills are a product of how much electricity you use per month and your electric rate. In San Luis Obispo, CA, the average monthly electric bill for residential customers is $212/month, which is calculated by multiplying the average monthly consumption by the average electric rate: 708 kWh * 30 ¢/kWh.
What electric company is the most expensive? ›The Alaska Village Electric Cooperative Inc.
offers the highest electricity prices in the country, according to our data review.
Rank | Company | Market Cap (April 2023) (USD Billions) |
---|---|---|
1 | Saudi Aramco | 2112 |
2 | ExxonMobil | 470 |
3 | Chevron Corporation | 313 |
4 | Shell | 207 |
So California's rising prices can be traced to higher energy procurement costs, increases in transmission, and most significantly, distribution costs.
What is a normal electric bill in California? ›On average, California residents spend about $207 per month on electricity. That adds up to $2,484 per year. That's 25% higher than the national average electric bill of $1,991.
How can I lower my electric bill in California? ›- Caulk around window edges.
- Add weatherstripping in the winter.
- Apply window film.
- Hang heavyweight drapes or line your lightweight curtains.
- Install awnings.
- Plant trees.
- Replace old windows.
Higher natural gas prices are a main reason for higher electric bills, and Texas is more dependent on the fuel. Natural gas provided 44% of the state's power last year compared with 37% nationally, Thompson said, and higher fuel prices can be passed along more quickly in Texas' deregulated market.
Why is Texas paying so much for electricity? ›In 1970 Texas's population was 11 million and as of 2022 it's about 30 million. This is putting more and more pressure on infrastructure that wasn't originally designed to support such a large population. Since demand is increasing, the state needs more electricity, there's no way around that.
Why is my TXU electric bill so high? ›
Common Causes of High Bills
The size, age and type of your home, number of occupants, types of appliances you use and even the number of household guests can all impact your electricity usage.
1 ADULT | 2 ADULTS (BOTH WORKING) | |
---|---|---|
0 Children | 1 Child | |
Living Wage | $20.67 | $23.22 |
Poverty Wage | $6.53 | $5.54 |
Minimum Wage | $15.50 | $15.50 |
The average apartment electric bill for a 1 bedroom in Texas is in the range of $105-$120 per month. Some renters mention electricity bills under 500 kWh with less air conditioning, while careless usage can easily lead to power bills above 1,000 kWh.
What is the average electric bill in Texas right now? ›Based on EIA data, Texas' average household electricity usage in kWh is 1,176 monthly, or 14,112 kWh annually. Multiplying the average power cost per kWh by the average kWh per month in Texas will give you the state's average electricity bill. Therefore, the average electric bill in Texas is $150.53.