Hawaii #1 in Nation With Highest Electricity Costs (33.89 Cents per kWh), Despite 2.4x More Renewable Energy Than U.S. Average

from PayLessPower, October, 2024

Hawaii’s electricity prices are soaring amid a seismic shift to renewable energy.

Hawaii isn’t just known for its beaches—it’s also home to the highest residential electricity prices in the country. Averaging a staggering 33.89 cents per kWh from 2010 to 2023, Hawaii leaves other states far behind. What’s behind this significant price gap? This breaking research from Payless Power leverages data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) to analyze Hawaii’s skyrocketing electricity rates and its turn toward renewable energy.

Key Stats:

• Hawaii is #1 nationwide in electricity costs, with an average price of 33.89 cents per kWh, towering over Connecticut (#2) and Alaska (#3)
• In April 2023, Hawaii hit an all-time high of 34.77 cents per kWh, the highest monthly rate in the U.S.
• Despite paying premium prices, Hawaii is on the forefront of sustainability—66.58% of its energy comes from renewable sources, 2.4x the national average
• Over the past decade, Hawaii’s electricity prices have surged by 50.75%, ranking as the 9th steepest increase nationwide

This data is timely as Hawaii's residents are caught in the crosshairs of rising costs and renewable energy ambitions, struggling to balance sustainability with affordability.

read full report … Hawaii #1 in Nation With Highest Electricity Costs (33.89 Cents per kWh), Despite 2.4x More Renewable Energy Than U.S. Average