Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified June 2026
Montana Electricity Cost 2026: 13.90¢/kWh
Montana residential electricity rates average 13.90 cents per kWh in 2026, -26.2% vs the 18.83¢ US national average. The state operates a deregulated retail market with hydroelectric as the primary generation source.
State Rate
13.90
cents/kWh
Monthly Bill
$120
at 863 kWh
vs National
-26.2%
national avg 18.83¢
Rank (cheapest first)
7/50
YoY change +12.9%
Market Type
Deregulated
Residential customers can shop for a supplier
Primary Generation
Hydroelectric
per EIA State Energy Profile
Annual Bill (avg usage)
$1,439
vs national $1,950
Montana electricity market
Deregulated state in theory but with very limited retail-supplier activity in practice. NorthWestern Energy is the dominant utility; the Montana Public Service Commission runs the consumer-protection framework. Generation mix is heavy hydroelectric (Missouri River system) plus coal.
Where Montana residents save
Shopping in Montana is theoretical for most residential households given thin supplier participation. Efficiency is the practical lever; weatherization is especially valuable in the long, cold heating season.
Primary utilities
- NorthWestern Energy
- Montana-Dakota Utilities
- Montana PSC
Official Montana supplier comparison tool
Montana runs an official, vendor-neutral supplier comparison portal. Use it to see all licensed retail suppliers serving your ZIP code, compare per-kWh supply rates, and check contract terms before signing up.
Montana PSC →Montana bill estimates by usage
| Home Profile | Monthly kWh | Monthly Bill | Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 500 | $70 | $834 |
| Small house | 750 | $104 | $1,251 |
| Average household | 863 | $120 | $1,439 |
| Large house | 1200 | $167 | $2,002 |
| Large house + EV | 1500 | $209 | $2,502 |
Estimates use the Montana state-average rate of 13.90¢/kWh from EIA data. Your actual bill includes delivery charges, customer-service fees, and state/local taxes already blended into this retail rate, plus any locality-specific surcharges not captured at the state-average level.