Electricity rates in California

See the latest average electricity prices in California and estimate your bill with a calculator prefilled with the local residential rate.

California residential rate

$0.35

per kWh · EIA, Apr 2026

Residential

$0.35

per kWh

Commercial

$0.26

per kWh

Industrial

$0.20

per kWh

vs US average

+87%

more expensive

Price rank

#2

of 51 (1 = highest)

How California compares

Residential price per kWh vs the national average and the cheapest/most expensive states.

$0.12
Lowest
$0.19
US avg
$0.35
CA
$0.47
Highest

Sample monthly bills in California

Estimated energy cost at California's average residential rate (before fixed charges and tax).

500 kWh / month

$176.25

≈ $2,115/year

900 kWh / month

$317.25

≈ $3,807/year

1200 kWh / month

$423

≈ $5,076/year

California electricity bill calculator

Prefilled with California's average residential rate. Adjust usage, add fixed charges, or switch to a tiered tariff.

/kWh
Billing period
kWh
$
%
Estimated monthly bill

$221.5

600 kWh · ≈ $7.28/day

Per day

$7.28

Per year

$2,658

7,200 kWh/yr

Cost breakdown

$221.5per month
  • Energy95%
  • Fixed charge5%

Estimate only. Check your official utility bill for exact charges.

About electricity prices in California

What the rate includes

The figures above are EIA average retail prices — the total revenue utilities collect divided by kWh sold. Your own rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier, so treat this as a California benchmark.

Lowering your bill

The fastest wins are usually heating, cooling, and water heating. Use the appliance calculator to find your biggest energy users, then shift heavy usage off-peak if your plan supports it.