MontanaElectricity Rates & Utility Costs
The average residential electricity rate in Montana is 12.81¢/kWh, which is below average. That's 25.6% lower than the national average.
Residential
12.81¢
per kWh
Commercial
10.92¢
per kWh
Industrial
6.35¢
per kWh
Avg Monthly Bill
$107
residential
Montana vs National Average
| Metric | Montana | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 12.81¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh | -4.41¢ |
| Monthly Bill | $107 | $134 | $-27.00 |
| Renewable Energy | 48.0% | ~22% | Above avg |
| Primary Source | Hydroelectric | ||
Why Electricity Is Affordable in Montana
Montana enjoys some of the most affordable electricity in the US. Abundant hydroelectric resources keep generation costs low. Renewable energy makes up 48.0% of the state's electricity mix. Low rates attract energy-intensive industries and make Montana a cost-effective place to live.
Utility Companies in Montana
| Utility | Avg Rate | Customers | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| NorthWestern Energy | 12.81¢/kWh | 380,000 | both |
Appliance Running Costs in Montana
Based on Montana's residential rate of 12.81¢/kWh.
| Appliance | Watts | Hours/Day | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | 50 | 24 | $4.61 | $55.34 |
| Blender | 400 | 0.1 | $0.15 | $1.84 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | 13 | 8 | $0.40 | $4.80 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | 35 | 24 | $3.23 | $38.74 |
| Ceiling Fan | 75 | 12 | $3.46 | $41.50 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3,500 | 8 | $107.60 | $1,291.25 |
| Chest Freezer | 80 | 24 | $7.38 | $88.54 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | 3,000 | 1 | $11.53 | $138.35 |
| Coffee Maker | 900 | 0.25 | $0.86 | $10.38 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | 1,500 | 24 | $138.35 | $1,660.18 |
| Dehumidifier | 300 | 12 | $13.83 | $166.02 |
| Desktop Computer | 200 | 8 | $6.15 | $73.79 |
| Dishwasher | 1,800 | 1 | $6.92 | $83.01 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1,000 | 10 | $38.43 | $461.16 |
| Electric Fireplace | 1,400 | 4 | $21.52 | $258.25 |
Compare With Other States
More Data for Montana
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electricity rate in Montana?
The average residential electricity rate in Montana is 12.81¢ per kWh, which is 25.6% below the national average of 17.22¢/kWh.
How much is the average monthly electric bill in Montana?
The average monthly residential electric bill in Montana is $107, compared to the national average of $134.
Why is electricity cheap in Montana?
Montana enjoys some of the most affordable electricity in the US. Abundant hydroelectric resources keep generation costs low. Renewable energy makes up 48.0% of the state's electricity mix. Low rates attract energy-intensive industries and make Montana a cost-effective place to live.
What is the main energy source in Montana?
The primary energy source in Montana is Hydroelectric, with 48.0% of electricity coming from renewable sources.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)