Differences in electricity consumption between US states
The United States is a vast country with diverse climates and industries, resulting in significant variations in electricity consumption from state to state. These differences stem from several factors: population size and density, the degree of industrial activity (such as the presence of energy-intensive factories), climate (the need for heating or cooling), housing type (detached houses versus apartments), and the state’s reliance on cheap or expensive energy sources. Furthermore, the price of electricity per kilowatt-hour (kWh) varies between states, directly impacting monthly bills and their share of per capita income.
Buy energy-saving devices
Which states consume the most electricity by total number
According to the EIA tables, Texas, California, and Florida have the highest total retail electricity sales among the states—which makes sense given their large populations, extensive industrial and commercial activity, and summer and winter temperatures that increase demand for cooling and heating. Examples from the EIA data (Summary of the 2024 US Electricity Profile):
Texas: Total sales ~505,431,317 MWh (the highest among the states).
California: Total sales ~245,717,145 MWh.
Florida: Total sales ~255,095,458 MWh.
These figures from the EIA summary illustrate that Texas alone consumes almost twice the amount of primary energy sold/used as California (in the overall context of the profiles).
Buy energy-saving devices
Which states have the highest electricity tariff (price)
The rates vary considerably. From the EIA’s average retail price table (cents/kWh):
Hawaiian has a much higher rate—EIA data shows the average residential retail price is around 38.00 cents/kWh (approximately $0.38/kWh)—due to its reliance on imported fuel and high transportation costs.
New England states (such as Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island) also have high rates—for example, Massachusetts at approximately 23.94 cents/kWh, Connecticut at approximately 24.37 cents/kWh, and Rhode Island at approximately 24.15 cents/kWh.
Conversely, states with low tariffs (below the US average of ~12.9 cents) include South-Midwest states or large growth regions such as Louisiana (~8.80 cents/kWh), Kansas/North Dakota, etc., as well as Texas with a relatively low-mid-range tariff (~9.79 cents/kWh).
Why is there such a big difference? Several factors contribute: the availability of cheap domestic resources (natural gas, hydropower, wind power), grid density, distribution system taxes and subscriptions, the cost of imported fuels (Hawaiian), market structure (regulatory or market-based), and renewable energy policies and associated costs.
Buy energy-saving devices
Per capita consumption (kWh/person/year) and variations between states
California
Total retail sales: 245,717,145 MWh.
Average price: 27.04 cents/kWh (i.e., $0.2704/kWh).
Estimated population (approximate reference year): ~39,029,342.
Annual cost per capita = $6,296 × $0.2704 ≈ $1,702.4/year.
Per capita personal income (2023 — BEA/FRED reference) ≈ $80,771 (2023).
Electricity expenditure as a percentage of per capita income ≈ 2.11% of per capita annual income.
Texas
Total sales: 505,431,317 MWh
Average price: 9.79 cents/kWh (approximately $0.0979/kWh)
Approximate population: 30,503,301
kWh/person/year ≈ (505,431,317 × 1,000) ÷ 30,503,301 ≈ 16,570 kWh/person/year. (High value—because it includes energy-intensive industrial and commercial sectors.)
Annual cost per capita = 16,570 × $0.0979 ≈ $1,622.2/year
Per capita personal income (2023, FRED/BEA reference) ≈ $65,768
Outcome: Spending ratio ≈ 2.47% of annual per capita income
Hawaii (a model of a high-cost state)
Total sales: 8,952,134 MWh
Average cost: 38.00 cents/kWh ($0.38/kWh)
Population (2023 estimate): 1,435,138
kWh/person/year ≈ (8,952,134 × 1,000) ÷ 1,435,138 ≈ 6,238 kWh/person/year
Annual cost per capita = 6,238 × $0.38 ≈ $2,370.4/year
Per capita personal income (2023) ≈ $65,888
Spending percentage ≈ 3.60% of per capita annual income
Mississippi (lower income state with different consumption patterns)
Total sales: 48,684,612 MWh
Average price: 10.93 cents/kWh ($0.1093/kWh)
Approximate population: 2,943,045
kWh/person/year ≈ (48,684,612 × 1,000) ÷ 2,943,045 ≈ 16,542 kWh/person/year
Annual cost per person = 16,542 × $0.1093 ≈ $1,808.1/year
Per capita income (local statistical reference/BEA) ≈ $49,652 (approximate value – one of the lowest income states)
Percentage expenditure ≈ 3.64% of annual per capita income
Buy energy-saving devices
Key factors that explain the differences between states
Weather and Climate: Hot (southern) states need more cooling in the summer, and colder states need more heating in the winter. But the type of heating is important—in northern states, fuel oil/gas may be used instead of electricity.
Industrial Structure: The presence of intensive industries (aluminum, smelting, chemicals, refineries) raises overall sales in a way that doesn’t necessarily reflect household consumption. Texas is a prime example.
Local Energy Prices: The availability of natural gas, hydropower, or wind power lowers the price per kilowatt-hour; while islands like Hawaii rely on imported fuel, which increases costs.
Energy Policies and Regulatory Costs: States that encourage renewable energy sometimes incur investment payments that reflect temporarily higher tariffs (or grid fees).
Housing Structure: The ratio of detached houses to apartments—detached houses are typically larger and consume two to three times more electricity than city apartments.