Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, May 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in West Virginia (2026): 16.80c/kWh Average

The EIA residential electricity price in West Virginia is 16.80 cents per kWh as of May 2026, 1.64c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh. The West Virginia commercial rate is 12.11c/kWh and the industrial rate is 9.48c/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A).

Residential Rate
16.80¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-9%
1.64c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$165
1070 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

West Virginia Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

West Virginia electricity averages 16.80 cents per kWh for residential customers as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.64c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh. The average monthly bill for West Virginia households is $165 based on typical usage of 1070 kWh.

Generation mix: Coal 86%, natural gas 7%, wind 4%, hydro 3%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: West Virginia rates rose 3.8% year-over-year as of May 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 6.2% over the same period.

Regulated: You Cannot Switch Electricity Suppliers

Appalachian Power (AEP) / Wheeling Power operates as the regulated utility in West Virginia. Retail electricity choice is not available for residential customers. Options for reducing your bill include: time-of-use rate optimization, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

Your West Virginia Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (1070 kWh x 16.80c)$179.76
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$189.76
West Virginia Rate by Sector - May 2026
Residential (US 18.44c)16.80c
Commercial (US 13.54c)12.11c
Industrial (US 8.71c)9.48c
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A.
Dominant Utility
Appalachian Power (AEP) / Wheeling Power
Adjacent States
Ohio19.52c
Pennsylvania21.55c
Maryland21.77c
Virginia17.61c
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West Virginia Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in West Virginia in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in West Virginia is 16.80 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 1.64c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh (-9%). The average monthly electricity bill in West Virginia is approximately $165 based on 1070 kWh typical monthly usage.
What is the commercial electricity rate in West Virginia?+
The average commercial electricity rate in West Virginia is 12.11 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly (Table 5.6.A). That compares with the US commercial average of 13.54c/kWh. Commercial rates apply to businesses, offices, schools, and retail. They are usually lower per kWh than residential rates, but a commercial bill can still be much larger because of higher volume and demand charges.
What is the industrial electricity rate in West Virginia?+
The average industrial electricity rate in West Virginia is 9.48 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly (Table 5.6.A), versus a US industrial average of 8.71c/kWh. Industrial customers such as factories, manufacturers, and large facilities pay the lowest per-kWh price of the three EIA sectors because they buy power at high volume, often at higher voltage, under demand-based rate structures.
Can I switch electricity providers in West Virginia?+
No - West Virginia operates a regulated electricity market. Appalachian Power (AEP) / Wheeling Power serves as the regulated monopoly utility. Customers cannot switch electricity generation suppliers. Options for reducing bills include time-of-use rate optimization (where available), energy efficiency upgrades, and solar installation.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in West Virginia?+
The average West Virginia household uses approximately 1070 kWh per month. At 16.80c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $165. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like West Virginia, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in West Virginia?+
West Virginia's generation mix is primarily Coal 86%, natural gas 7%, wind 4%, hydro 3%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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