How much is the average electric bill in Montana?

The average residential electric bill in Montana is about $102 per month, reflecting average monthly usage of 677 kWh at a residential rate of 15.14¢ per kWh.

Is electricity expensive in Montana?

At 15.14¢ per kWh, Montana's residential electricity rate is 17.4% lower than the U.S. average of 18.34¢ per kWh. That makes it the 16th-cheapest of 51 states and DC ranked by residential price.

Can I choose my electricity provider in Montana?

Montana has a deregulated electricity market, but residential choice is currently limited — most households receive default service from their local utility at a regulated rate. Your utility continues to deliver power and handle outages regardless of supplier.

Electricity Rates in Montana (June 2026)

The average residential rate is 15.14¢/kWh — that's about $102/month for a typical household.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. Data as of June 2026.

#16

out of 51 states (1 = cheapest)

$102/mo

based on 677 kWh average monthly usage

17.4%below

the national average of 18.34¢/kWh

2.2%up

over the past 12 months

Rates by Sector

Sector	Rate (¢/kWh)	vs National	Avg Monthly Usage	Avg Monthly Bill	vs National
Residential	15.14¢/kWh	-17.4%	677 kWh	$102	-17.4%
Commercial	13.48¢/kWh	-5.0%	2,872 kWh	$387	-5.0%
Industrial	6.68¢/kWh	-27.2%	27,412 kWh	$1,831	-27.2%
National Avg — Residential	18.34¢/kWh	—	930 kWh	$171	—
National Avg — Commercial	14.19¢/kWh	—	6,854 kWh	$972	—
National Avg — Industrial	9.17¢/kWh	—	79,069 kWh	$7,248	—

Electricity Providers in Montana

	Type	Service				Service Area
Flathead Electric Coop Inc	Co-op	Bundled	9.67¢/kWh	$116	63,317	Carbon, Flathead, Lake, Lincoln, Park, Sanders+3 moreless
Yellowstone Valley Elec Co-op	Co-op	Bundled	13.35¢/kWh	$121	21,182	Big Horn, Carbon, Musselshell, Stillwater, Treasure, Yellowstone+3 moreless
Montana-Dakota Utilities Co	IOU	Bundled	12.89¢/kWh	$98	19,616	Custer, Daniels, Dawson, Fallon, McCone, Prairie, Richland, Roosevelt, Rosebud, Sheridan, Wibaux+8 moreless
USBIA-Mission Valley Power	Municipal	Bundled	8.91¢/kWh	$117	16,292	Flathead, Lake, Missoula, Sanders+1 moreless
Missoula Electric Coop, Inc	Co-op	Bundled	10.50¢/kWh	$113	14,686	Granite, Lake, Mineral, Missoula, Powell, Ravalli+3 moreless
Fergus Electric Coop, Inc	Co-op	Bundled	15.52¢/kWh	$124	6,682	Blaine, Cascade, Chouteau, Fergus, Golden Valley, Judith Basin, Meagher, Musselshell, Petroleum, Stillwater, Sweet Grass, Treasure, Wheatland, Yellowstone+11 moreless
Northern Lights, Inc	Co-op	Bundled	12.52¢/kWh	$134	3,985	Lincoln, Sanders
Lower Yellowstone R E A, Inc	Co-op	Bundled	8.83¢/kWh	$104	3,499	Dawson, Richland, Roosevelt
Fall River Rural Elec Coop Inc	Co-op	Bundled	11.39¢/kWh	$114	1,508	Gallatin

Utility data from EIA Form 861, 2024

How Deregulated Electricity Works in Montana

Montana deregulated its electricity market in 1997. The system operates with three components: power companies generate electricity (generation), utilities maintain high-voltage lines (transmission), and your local utility (NorthWestern Energy LLC - (MT), Montana-Dakota Utilities Co) delivers electricity to your home (distribution).

Residential electricity choice in Montana is limited; most households receive default service through their local utility at a regulated rate.

How to Switch Electricity Companies in Montana

1Review your current contract terms and check for early termination fees
2Compare available rates from 9 suppliers serving your area
3Choose a plan and sign a Letter of Authorization
4Your new supplier handles the transfer with your utility (NorthWestern Energy LLC - (MT), Montana-Dakota Utilities Co) — your service is not interrupted
5Your new rate takes effect in the next billing cycle

When is the Best Time to Switch Energy Providers in Montana

The best times to switch providers in Montana typically include:

Before peak seasons (winter) when you can lock in lower rates
When your current contract is nearing expiration
During off-peak months when providers offer competitive promotions
After comparing rates during market downturns

Types of Electricity Plans in Montana

Fixed-rate plans

Consistent rates throughout your contract term, making budgeting easier. Early termination fees may apply.

Green energy plans

Power your home with 100% renewable sources while supporting clean energy goals.

Time-of-use plans

Different rates based on when you use electricity, with lower costs during off-peak hours.

Variable-rate / prepaid plans

Flexibility without long-term commitments, though rates may fluctuate monthly based on market conditions.

Power Outages in Montana

1,073 customers currently without power in Montana

Track real-time power outages Get outage alerts

Frequently Asked Questions

The average residential electricity rate in Montana is 15.14¢ per kWh. Commercial customers pay an average of 13.48¢ per kWh and industrial customers pay 6.68¢ per kWh.

Idaho$114/mo14.37¢/kWh Wyoming$106/mo15.24¢/kWh North Dakota$114/mo14.12¢/kWh South Dakota$133/mo15.36¢/kWh