California vs Maine Electricity Rates (2026)
Maine has 15.5% cheaper electricity than California. Maine residents pay 26.37¢/kWh compared to 31.22¢/kWh in California, saving about $66.00/month on average.
California
31.22¢
per kWh
$179/mo
Maine
26.37¢
per kWh
$113/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | California | Maine | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 31.22¢/kWh | 26.37¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 25.41¢/kWh | 18.14¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 20.98¢/kWh | 14.47¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $179 | $113 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 38.0% | 75.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Natural Gas | Hydroelectric | - |
Appliance Running Costs: California vs Maine
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | CA | ME | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $11.24 | $9.49 | ME saves $1.75 |
| Blender | $0.37 | $0.32 | ME saves $0.06 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.97 | $0.82 | ME saves $0.15 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $7.87 | $6.65 | ME saves $1.22 |
| Ceiling Fan | $8.43 | $7.12 | ME saves $1.31 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $262.25 | $221.51 | ME saves $40.74 |
| Chest Freezer | $17.98 | $15.19 | ME saves $2.79 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $28.10 | $23.73 | ME saves $4.36 |
| Coffee Maker | $2.11 | $1.78 | ME saves $0.33 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $337.18 | $284.80 | ME saves $52.38 |
| Dehumidifier | $33.72 | $28.48 | ME saves $5.24 |
| Desktop Computer | $14.99 | $12.66 | ME saves $2.33 |
| Dishwasher | $16.86 | $14.24 | ME saves $2.62 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $93.66 | $79.11 | ME saves $14.55 |
| Electric Fireplace | $52.45 | $44.30 | ME saves $8.15 |
Bottom Line: California vs Maine
Maine is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 15.5% lower than California. An average household would save about $792.00/year by living in Maine.
California gets its electricity primarily from Natural Gas with 38.0% renewable, while Maine relies on Hydroelectric with 75.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in California or Maine?
Electricity is cheaper in Maine at 26.37¢/kWh compared to California at 31.22¢/kWh. That's a 15.5% difference, saving about $66.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in California vs Maine?
The average monthly electricity bill is $179 in California and $113 in Maine. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, California or Maine?
Maine has a higher renewable energy percentage at 75.0%, compared to 38.0% in California.
What are the main energy sources in California and Maine?
California primarily uses Natural Gas, while Maine relies on Hydroelectric.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)