What drives electric bills in North Dakota
Residential electricity in North Dakota averaged 12.4¢ per kWh in January–July 2026, up 7.4% from 11.5¢ in the same months a year earlier (the U.S. average went up 6.9%). In July 2026, the latest month available, it was 13.4¢. The typical home here used 1,029 kWh a month in 2024, 19% more than the U.S. average, so how much power you use matters as much as the price.
- Extreme cold. Heating dominates the bill from November to March, especially in homes with electric baseboard heat or an electric furnace.
- Engine block heaters and heat tape. Left plugged in all night, these can add a lot to winter bills.
- Long, dark winters. More hours indoors means more lighting, cooking and electronics.
Who supplies your power
Xcel Energy, Montana-Dakota Utilities (MDU) and Otter Tail Power serve the cities, while rural electric co-ops serve most of the state’s land area.
Ways to pay less in North Dakota
- Ask your co-op or utility about off-peak or dual-heat programs. Many North Dakota co-ops offer much lower rates for electric heat that can be switched off during peak hours.
- Put block heaters on a timer so they run only a few hours before you start the engine.
For example, a 1,500 W space heater running 8 hours a day costs about $45 a month at North Dakota prices. Check what your appliances cost to run in North Dakota.
Help paying your bill in North Dakota
- LIHEAP: North Dakota’s program, through county social service offices, helps with heating bills and furnace repair.
- Winter protections: the Public Service Commission limits disconnections in extreme cold. Contact your utility before falling behind to set up a payment plan.
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 North Dakota?
A typical 7 kW rooftop system in North Dakota produces roughly 8,750 kWh a year, about 71% of what an average home here uses. At the state’s average price of 12.4¢, that power is worth about $1,082 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 North Dakota compares with nearby states
| State | Price per kWh | kWh a month | Typical bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Dakota | 12.4¢ | 1,029 | $127 |
| Montana | 14.0¢ | 852 | $119 |
| South Dakota | 14.5¢ | 994 | $144 |
| Minnesota | 16.3¢ | 712 | $116 |
| 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.