Wiktor Wise
Texas contributes more to the national grid than any other state, with 12.94% of the nation's total energy production in March. This is largely due to its production of crude oil and natural gas. Texas also has the capacity to generate 18,500 megawatts of electricity through wind energy. Other top energy-producing states include Florida, Pennsylvania, and California. California leads the nation in solar power, with its solar farms and small-scale solar power systems generating 8,238 thousand megawatt-hours in April 2025. Washington state is a leader in hydroelectric power, which is one of the cleanest energy sources, with hydroelectricity accounting for two-thirds of its net electricity. Other states with significant hydroelectric power production include New York and Oregon. While not a top energy producer, South Dakota also relies heavily on hydroelectric power and had one of the lowest average electricity rates in the nation in 2014.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| State with the most electricity consumption | Texas |
| State with the lowest electricity consumption | South Dakota |
| State with the lowest electricity rates | Idaho |
| State with the highest electricity rates | Hawaii |
| State with the most hydroelectric power | Washington |
| State with the most solar power | California |
| State with the oldest power plant | Whiting, Wisconsin |
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What You'll Learn
Texas: top producer, high consumption, oil and gas
Texas is the leading electricity-consuming state in the United States. In 2022, the state consumed approximately 475 terawatt-hours of electricity, with an average monthly consumption of 1,132 kilowatt-hours. Texas also has the highest electricity bills in the country, with an average monthly cost of $138.56. The deregulated energy market in Texas allows consumers to choose from a variety of providers and shop for lower electric rates.
Texas is also the top producer of electricity in the U.S., accounting for 12.94% of the nation's total energy production in March. The state has a significant capacity for wind energy generation, with 18,500 megawatts of electricity produced through wind power. Texas expects to add another 5,000 megawatts of wind generation capacity from facilities under construction.
In addition to wind power, Texas relies heavily on oil and gas for its energy production. The state is known for its abundant natural resources, including large deposits of oil and natural gas. The use of these fossil fuels has made Texas a major player in the energy industry, with a significant contribution to the nation's total energy output.
While Texas leads in electricity production and consumption, it also faces challenges in meeting the demand for energy, especially during peak periods. The state has invested in energy efficiency (EE) programs and demand response initiatives to optimize its energy infrastructure. Texas is also exploring renewable energy sources, such as wind and solar power, to diversify its energy portfolio and reduce its reliance on non-renewable resources.
Overall, Texas plays a crucial role in the electricity landscape of the United States, with its high consumption, production, and ongoing efforts to balance energy supply and demand. The state's focus on oil and gas has shaped its energy sector, while also driving the exploration of alternative energy sources to meet the growing need for renewable energy.
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California: solar leader, high imports
California is a leader in solar energy production in the US. In April 2025, California's solar farms and small-scale solar power systems generated 8,238 thousand megawatt-hours, the highest in the country. In March of the same year, California produced the highest percentage of its electricity from solar of any state. Despite this, California is the second-largest consumer of electricity in the US, consuming approximately 250 terawatt-hours in 2022.
California's high electricity consumption is due in part to the state having the most utility customers of any state, with 13.4 million customers in 2020. However, on average, those customers kept consumption low, with an average consumption of 572 kWh per month, resulting in an average monthly bill of $134.08. This is lower than the average monthly bill in Hawaii, which is $102, and the second-highest in the nation.
California's electricity market is deregulated, meaning consumers can choose from a variety of providers and shop for low electric rates. This may help to explain why, despite having the second-highest electric rates in the nation in 2020, California residents only paid the 15th-highest electricity bills.
To reduce electricity demand from the power grid, California has invested in energy efficiency (EE) programs that promote the use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and advanced cooling and heating technologies. The state has also made spending billions of dollars on making solar energy affordable for consumers a top priority. These efforts have resulted in over 3,600 MW of demand capacity resources, reducing electricity demand from California's power grid by more than 11%.
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Washington: cheap hydro, low rates
Washington state has one of the lowest average electricity rates in the US, thanks to its abundant hydroelectric power. Hydro is one of the cleanest forms of energy production, and Washington's heavy reliance on hydroelectricity has kept its energy costs low. In contrast, states with higher electricity rates, such as Hawaii, tend to have more regulations, fewer generation assets, or be in a remote location.
Hydroelectric power accounted for 6.6% of the national energy mix in March, and Washington is a significant producer. The state's electricity rates are consistently low due to its abundant hydroelectric resources.
The type of generation resources impacts energy costs, and Washington benefits from its access to clean, renewable hydroelectric power. In contrast, states that rely more heavily on traditional carbon-based power plants, such as coal, petroleum, or natural gas, may have higher energy costs.
Washington's low electricity rates are also a result of its energy infrastructure and transmission systems. The state has invested in efficient transmission lines and distribution networks, reducing the cost of delivering electricity to consumers.
Washington's example highlights the benefits of investing in renewable energy sources and efficient energy infrastructure. By leveraging its natural resources and focusing on efficient energy transmission, Washington has achieved low electricity rates, providing both environmental and economic benefits to its residents.
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Pennsylvania: net power exporter
While Texas is the leading electricity-consuming state in the US, consuming roughly 475 terawatt-hours of electricity in 2022, Pennsylvania is a net power exporter. Pennsylvania exports electricity to other states, and consumers in the state can choose their electricity supplier.
The average electricity bill in the US is $140.56 per month, based on data from 2025. The typical monthly consumption is 855 kWh, with an average price of 16.44 cents per kilowatt. The average American home uses 10,260 kWh annually. However, prices vary by state, and the type of generation resources is one factor that influences energy costs. For example, traditional carbon-based power plants are often cheaper than renewable energy sources.
Pennsylvania's energy market is deregulated, meaning that consumers can choose their electricity supplier and shop for the cheapest rate or the features they want, such as renewable energy. The state's electricity rates are higher than the national average, with an average commercial electricity rate of 8.9 cents per kWh in 2024. This is lower than the average residential rate, which is likely due to the higher energy demand for cooling in the summer.
Pennsylvania has invested billions of dollars in energy efficiency (EE) programs, promoting the use of energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and advanced cooling and heating technologies. The state expects to invest another $11 billion through 2033. These programs have reduced electricity demand from Pennsylvania's power grid by more than 11% of system capacity. Additionally, Pennsylvania policymakers have made it a top priority to provide incentives for local/residential solar power, spending billions of dollars on making solar energy affordable for consumers.
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South Dakota: high consumption, hydro
South Dakota's total electricity consumption is among the lowest in the nation. However, due to its small population, its per capita electricity consumption is higher than in most states. South Dakota's transportation sector accounts for about three-tenths of its total energy consumption, with the residential and commercial sectors splitting the remaining one-fourth. The state's energy-intensive industries and extreme climate also contribute to its high per capita energy consumption.
South Dakota's electricity consumption has been steadily increasing for over two decades. In 2023, renewable resources generated 77% of the state's total in-state electricity, with wind power being the leading source, followed by hydroelectric power. South Dakota is among the states with the highest percentage of electricity generation from renewable resources, typically exceeding 70%. In 2022, 84% of its generation was renewable, mostly from wind power.
Hydropower is a significant source of electricity in South Dakota, with four dams on the Missouri River generating the bulk of the state's hydropower. These include the Gavins Point Dam, Fort Randall Dam, Big Bend Dam, and Oahe Dam, with generating capacities ranging from 44 MW to 786 MW. Hydropower is the largest single renewable energy source for electricity generation in the U.S., accounting for about 5.7% of the nation's power in 2023.
South Dakota has a high number of vehicle miles travelled per capita due to its low population density and limited access to alternative forms of public transportation. This contributes to the state's high motor gasoline and diesel fuel consumption, ranking fourth-highest in 2022. However, South Dakota is also a leading producer of ethanol fuel from corn, with 15 ethanol plants as of December 2011. The state is also expanding its electric vehicle infrastructure, with plans to ensure no more than a 50-mile distance between charging locations.
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Frequently asked questions
Texas contributes more to the grid than any other state, followed by Florida, Pennsylvania, and California.
Hawaii residents currently pay the most expensive electricity rates in the country, with a rate of 41.03 cents per kWh.
Idaho currently pays the cheapest residential electricity rates in the country, at 11.88 cents per kWh.
