US electricity prices rise 9 percent year-over-year in February 2026

10 articles · Updated · Utility Dive · Apr 24

Virginia, Ohio, and Pennsylvania saw the largest increases, with Virginia up 26.3%. Residential rates rose 7.4%, and all sectors experienced higher average revenues per kilowatt hour.
Electricity sales volume increased in 31 states and D.C., led by Rhode Island’s 31% jump, while Montana saw a 10.8% decrease. Total net generation rose 1.2% compared to last year.
The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic shifted toward other fossil fuels, with nationwide coal use down 11.3% and natural gas up 1.5%. Cold snaps in the East drove demand spikes and regional price volatility.

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