The average residential electricity rate in District of Columbia (DC) is $0.1598 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is significantly below the national average of $0.1805/kWh, ranking District of Columbia #27 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average District of Columbia household consumes 657 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $105 and annual electricity costs of about $1,260.
DC has the highest SREC values in the nation at $300-400/MWh, making solar economics extremely favorable.
This comprehensive guide covers District of Columbia electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
District of Columbia residential electricity rates have increased 19% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | District of Columbia ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.1348 | $0.1322 | +2% |
| 2022 | $0.1450 | $0.1492 | -3% |
| 2024 | $0.1540 | $0.1680 | -8% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.1598 | $0.1805 | -11% |
District of Columbia has a deregulated electricity market. The primary delivery utilities are: Pepco (Exelon).
District of Columbia generates electricity from: (Imports from PJM grid) Natural gas 40%, Nuclear 30%, Coal 10%, Renewables 15%, Other 5%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average District of Columbia household uses 657 kWh/month.
DC is deregulated and served by Pepco for delivery. You can shop for competitive supply rates. DC has a strong community solar program and the highest SRECs in the nation.
Universal strategies: adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees (saves 5-10% on HVAC), switch to LEDs (see our LED savings calculator), unplug phantom loads (saves $100-200/year), and run major appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. For larger investments, consider a heat pump, better insulation, or a smart thermostat.
District of Columbia receives 4.2 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~7,542 kWh/year, saving ~$1,205/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 6-9 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia (DC) | $0.1598 | $105 | Deregulated |
| Maryland (MD) | $0.1598 | $145 | Deregulated |
| Virginia (VA) | $0.1318 | $150 | Regulated |
Data source: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, April 2026. Rates shown are average residential rates and may differ from your specific utility tariff. Solar estimates assume a 6 kW system with 82% efficiency factor. Always verify current rates with your utility provider.