What drives electric bills in Washington, D.C.
Residential electricity in Washington, D.C. averaged 24.7¢ per kWh in January–July 2026, up 17.8% from 20.9¢ in the same months a year earlier (the U.S. average went up 6.9%). In July 2026, the latest month available, it was 25.2¢. The typical home here used 639 kWh a month in 2024, 26% less than the U.S. average, so a high bill usually points to the price per kWh or to one big appliance.
- Pepco rate increases. The DC Public Service Commission approved delivery rate increases to pay for grid upgrades, which took effect in stages in 2025 and 2026.
- Higher supply costs. D.C. is part of the PJM regional grid, and higher capacity prices raised Standard Offer Service rates starting in June 2025.
- Older buildings. Drafty row houses and apartments with electric baseboard heat can use a lot of power in winter.
Who supplies your power
Pepco delivers electricity to every home in Washington, D.C. You can buy the power itself from Pepco’s Standard Offer Service or from a licensed competitive supplier.
Ways to pay less in Washington, D.C.
- Compare offers from competitive suppliers with Pepco’s Standard Offer Service rate. Avoid variable-rate plans and check for cancellation fees.
- The DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) offers rebates on heat pumps, efficient appliances and LEDs, and free upgrades for income-eligible homes.
For example, a 1,500 W space heater running 8 hours a day costs about $90 a month at D.C. prices. Check what your appliances cost to run in D.C..
Shopping for a cheaper plan in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C. lets many homes choose who supplies their electricity. Before you switch, compare offers at your own usage, not just the advertised price: at the 639 kWh a typical home here uses, every 1¢ per kWh is worth about $77 a year. Prefer fixed-rate plans of 12 months or more, check the early cancellation fee, and note when the contract ends.
Help paying your bill in Washington, D.C.
- Utility Discount Program (UDP): income-eligible D.C. residents get discounts on electricity, gas and water. Apply through the Department of Energy and Environment (DOEE).
- LIHEAP: D.C.’s program helps with heating and cooling bills. DOEE also runs the Solar for All program, which can lower bills for qualifying households at no cost.
Statewide help is in addition to the federal programs, such as LIHEAP and weatherization, that the bill checker above lists. Call 211 to find the agency that handles them near you.
Is solar worth it in Washington, D.C.?
A typical 7 kW rooftop system in Washington, D.C. produces roughly 8,750 kWh a year, about 100% of what an average home here uses. At the state’s average price of 24.7¢, that power is worth about $2,158 a year. What you actually save depends on your roof, the price you pay for the system, the 30% federal tax credit rules in effect when you buy, and how your utility credits the power you send to the grid. Get at least three quotes before you decide.
How D.C. compares with nearby states
| State | Price per kWh | kWh a month | Typical bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | 24.7¢ | 639 | $158 |
| Virginia | 16.8¢ | 1,032 | $174 |
| Maryland | 21.3¢ | 929 | $198 |
| U.S. average | 18.2¢ | 863 | $157 |
Price: average residential price, January–July 2026, U.S. Energy Information Administration (Electric Power Monthly, tables 5.6.A and 5.6.B). Usage: average monthly consumption per home, 2024, EIA form EIA-861. Typical bill = typical usage × current average price. Solar output is a rough estimate for a south-facing roof.