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It seems to me that the comparison by state data are of limited utility (pun intended) because rates are not the same state-wide. The rates listed are "average" rates in that state. One's actual rate is set by the particular utility company providing the electrical service in a particular area. In California there are many such companies.
Here in Mass. as well. In fact, from one close town to another the rate varies quite a bit as some towns use the regional provider and some have their own. Those that have their own source are cheaper, at least here.
Also, in some places there are "peak usage" and "low usage" rates. Back when I used a clothes dryer a lot when bringing up the kids, I was always running my dryer after 10 pm for those lower rates.
The rates they show is a simpke guide cause Hawaii rates have not been that low in a decade. That means the rate is whatever "base" rate or whaever is being used but does not reflect the actual rate you will have to pay. I think the current rate is $0.40 plus $0.10 fuel surchage which means instead of 27 cents its actually 50 cents, almost double. And that does not include the monthy charge of $12 to $14 just for having electricty. And folks wonder why seniors on fixed incomes are crazy for retiring on Hawaii.
For anyone who is looking for retirement locations, this link might be helpful as one aspect of making a decision. Of course, the amount of electricity you use in a given location is part of the equation, in addition to rates, but I found this interesting and useful as a means of comparison.
If the inaccuracy in rates listed for Illinois are any indication, I think the linked material is probably useless for planning/comparison purposes. It lists the average per kwh charge in Illinois as 10.4 cents. I'm in Chicago, and pay just under 6 cents. That places me at the lowest in the nation, according to the information.
I just received my electric bill today. The total was $124.63 for 1938kWH's, that works out to 6.4 cents per 1000 watts. My house is 100% electric and my water comes from my own wells, so this also provides my water. I've lived here 8 years and the largest electric bill I've ever had was $250 in the middle of summer.
I just received my electric bill today. The total was $124.63 for 1938kWH's, that works out to 6.4 cents per 1000 watts. My house is 100% electric and my water comes from my own wells, so this also provides my water. I've lived here 8 years and the largest electric bill I've ever had was $250 in the middle of summer.
I live in Nebraska. How much do you pay??
That is likely because Nebraska has coal fired power plants. If rates are that low there is usually a reason why.
I think besides being the "average" they are also probably averaging the "base rate" which is not the rate you pay. So a base rate of $0.09 may have additional mandates attached to that rate that brings it up to $0.14, which is the rate you see on your bill. Also, you can;t add in the service cost not associated with usage. If you have a bill of $45 you may actually only used $30 worth of electricty and the other $15 is some fee or charge associated with you having elctrical service that will be the same if you use $500 or 5 cents that month.
In many states, the agency that regulate electrical utilities may require that the company post online their rate scheduled or tables, or that regulatory agency may have it available on their websites. Its interesting to see how a rate of 10 cents a kilowatt can rise to 25 cents with surcharges, fuel adjustments, set asides, recover, and all the other little things that jacks up the cost of energey that you pay but isn;t part of these reports on cost of living.
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