Report: Wash. state has nation's lowest average energy costs
Washington state has the lowest average energy costs of any state in the nation, according to a newly released report.
The study, by personal finance website WalletHub, found that Washington state residents spend an average of $219 each month on energy and fuel - less than any other state.
The only place in the U.S. with cheaper energy costs is Washington, D.C., where average monthly energy costs are $199, according to the report.
Washington state's low average energy costs are mainly due to the cheap electricity rates here. The average Washington resident spends $103 on electricity each month, and average electrical utility rates here are lower than any other state except Louisiana.
Washington's comparatively low electrical costs more than make up for the relatively high cost of motor fuel here.
Although Washington's motor fuel prices are the third-highest in the nation, residents here drive less and use more energy-efficient vehicles than most other states, bringing down the amount spent on gas and diesel.
Here is the breakdown showing average monthly amounts spent on energy in Washington state: electricity, $103; natural gas, $26; motor fuel, $89; and home heating oil, $2.
The WalletHub study also found that residential electrical use has increased nationwide during the pandemic, while commercial and industrial electrical use has decreased.
The analysis found that the states with the highest energy costs are Connecticut ($372 per month), Massachusetts ($351), Rhode Island ($335), New Hampshire ($329) and Alaska ($325).
The states with the lowest energy costs are Washington ($219 per month), Colorado ($220), Oregon ($236), New Mexico ($238) and Montana ($242).
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