Electricity rate and appliance costs in District of Columbia
Homes in District of Columbia pay 24.86 cents per kWh on average, 37% above the U.S. average.
What appliances cost to run in District of Columbia
| Appliance | Efficient | Typical | High use | Typical, monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | $82.78 | $119.33 | $173.77 | $9.94 |
| Mini fridges | $51.21 | $61.16 | $83.28 | $5.10 |
| Freezers | $56.43 | $103.91 | $127.03 | $8.66 |
| Dishwashers | $54.69 | $59.42 | $59.66 | $4.95 |
| Clothes washers | $18.64 | $27.35 | $48.78 | $2.28 |
| Clothes dryers | $61.03 | $151.15 | $151.15 | $12.60 |
| Dehumidifiers | $45.00 | $84.52 | $130.76 | $7.04 |
| Room air conditioners | $93.22 | $132.23 | $223.74 | $11.02 |
| Televisions | $16.19 | $45.77 | $83.93 | $3.81 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in District of Columbia?
Homes in District of Columbia paid an average of 24.86 cents per kWh from January to August 2026, according to the EIA. In August 2026 alone the average was 25.98 cents.
Is electricity expensive in District of Columbia?
District of Columbia ranks 10 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.), where 1 is the most expensive. Its rate is 37% above the U.S. average of 18.19 cents.
How much does 1,000 kWh cost in District of Columbia?
At the state average rate, 1,000 kWh costs about $248.60. Fixed monthly charges from your utility are not included in the per-kWh average in the same way on every bill, so your total can differ.
How we get these numbers: yearly electricity use comes from the ENERGY STAR certified product lists, measured with the federal test procedure. The rate is the average residential price the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports for each state, January to August 2026. Your own bill depends on your utility, your plan and how you use the appliance. See sources.