The average residential electricity rate in Washington (WA) is $0.1038 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is far below the national average of $0.1805/kWh, ranking Washington #3 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average Washington household consumes 1,069 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $111 and annual electricity costs of about $1,332.
Washington state has the third-cheapest electricity in the nation. Grand Coulee Dam alone generates enough electricity to power Seattle twice over.
This comprehensive guide covers Washington electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
Washington residential electricity rates have increased 7% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | Washington ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.0968 | $0.1322 | -27% |
| 2022 | $0.0998 | $0.1492 | -33% |
| 2024 | $0.1020 | $0.1680 | -39% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.1038 | $0.1805 | -42% |
Washington has a regulated electricity market. The primary providers are: Puget Sound Energy, Seattle City Light, Tacoma Power, Avista.
Washington generates electricity from: Hydroelectric 65%, Wind 12%, Natural gas 11%, Nuclear 8%, Coal 2%, Solar 1%, Other 1%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average Washington household uses 1,069 kWh/month.
Washington has among the cheapest electricity thanks to massive Columbia River hydroelectric dams. Seattle City Light charges 9-10 cents/kWh, among the lowest urban rates.
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.
Washington receives 3.8 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~6,824 kWh/year, saving ~$708/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 8-12 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington (WA) | $0.1038 | $111 | Regulated |
| Idaho (ID) | $0.1050 | $116 | Regulated |
| Oregon (OR) | $0.1218 | $117 | 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.