Average Electric Bill in California — April 2026
The average residential electric bill in California is $138/mo as of April 2026, at an average price of 35.25¢/kWh — +4.2% versus a year earlier.
California at a glance
Price history (last 12 months)
| Month | Avg residential price |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | 35.25¢/kWh |
| March 2026 | 33.35¢/kWh |
| February 2026 | 33.22¢/kWh |
| January 2026 | 30.29¢/kWh |
| December 2025 | 34.71¢/kWh |
| November 2025 | 31.89¢/kWh |
| October 2025 | 33.60¢/kWh |
| September 2025 | 32.04¢/kWh |
| August 2025 | 31.65¢/kWh |
| July 2025 | 32.66¢/kWh |
| June 2025 | 33.59¢/kWh |
| May 2025 | 33.29¢/kWh |
| April 2025 | 33.82¢/kWh |
Residential average retail price by month. Source: U.S. EIA (public domain).
Why your bill is rising
California is not in the PJM footprint, so the locked PJM capacity increases do not apply here. The only forward-looking line we can show honestly is the observed 12-month price trend — context, not a promise.
- trendIf the last 12 months' trend continues+1.49¢/kWh · ≈+$5.84/mo
Monthly impact at the state-average usage of 392 kWh/mo.
Extends the observed year-over-year residential price change (EIA) one more year. Context, not a promise - fuel and distribution costs can move either way. source · 2026-04
Run your own numbers
Enter your monthly bill to see where you stand against the California average and what the projected increases mean for you. Nothing you type is stored.
Bill Shock Calculator
See where you stand - and where your bill is headed. Nothing you type is stored.
California average: $138/mo at 35.25¢/kWh (+4.2% YoY)
Your bill is 8.5% above the state average (≈426 kWh/mo at the state average price).
Where your bill is headed:
- trendIf the last 12 months' trend continues+$6.34/mo
“Locked” = PJM capacity auction prices already cleared (a floor - several utility zones cleared higher). “Trend” = the observed 12-month EIA trend extended, not a promise.
Three ways to fight it:
- Find your energy hogs. See what each appliance actually costs to run at California rates: cost-to-run guides.
- Get a home energy audit. DOE guide to professional and DIY audits.
Estimate only, based on official data as of April 2026 (U.S. EIA residential averages; PJM auction results). Your actual plan price differs.
Can you switch plans in California?
No. California's residential electricity market does not offer retail supplier choice, so you cannot cut the bill by switching plans. Community Choice Aggregation, not classic retail switch.
What you can do instead: cut the usage side of the bill. See what each appliance actually costs to run at California rates in our cost-to-run guides, and target the biggest loads first.
Estimate only, based on official data as of April 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, residential retail sales (public domain), refreshed monthly. Your actual plan price differs.