Questions answered: Costs, credits & heat pumps

Why is my electric bill so high?

Q: Why is my electric bill so high?

Partly because prices are rising: the average US home paid 18.2 cents per kWh in January–July 2026, up from 17.0 cents a year earlier, about 7% more (EIA). The rest is how much you use: the average home used about 863 kWh a month in 2024, for an average bill of $142.26. ENERGY STAR says almost half of a typical household's energy bill goes to heating and cooling, so start there.

Updated October 25, 2026. Every answer lists the sources we read it from. If we couldn't back an answer, we left the question out.

Compare this month's kWh with the same month last year on your bill. If use jumped, look at heating, cooling and anything new; if the kWh are flat but the bill rose, it is the price.

The Go Electric planner shows what each switch, from a heat pump to an EV, would change on your bills in your state.

Run your own numbers: What would save you most · What a space heater adds

Sources

U.S. Energy Information Administration: Electric Power Monthly, Tables 5.6.A and 5.6.B
U.S. Energy Information Administration: Electric sales, revenue and average price (2024 average monthly bill)
ENERGY STAR: Air-source heat pumps

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All 7 questions on costs, credits & heat pumps · Every question we answer

Go Electric savings calculatorWhat each switch saves in your state.

Estimates only. Your actual costs depend on your utility's rate plan, how and when you charge or use power, and local prices. This is general information, not financial, tax or legal advice. See our disclaimer.

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