About 7.3 percent of the average U.S. household’s total annual income goes to energy costs, WalletHub reports. Their in-depth analysis of energy costs by state shows how much it varies.
“Keep in mind that lower prices don’t always equate with lower costs, as consumption is a key determinant in the total amount of an energy bill,” the report’s introduction says. “In areas such as Southern Louisiana, with scorching summer weather but cheap electricity, households still end up with higher out-of-pocket costs than those in energy-expensive Northern California, where the temperate climate keeps heating and cooling units idle most of the year.”
The most affordable states for electricity are Washington, North Dakota, Idaho, Louisiana, and West Virginia, while the highest electricity prices are paid by households in Vermont, Connecticut, Alaska, New York, and Hawaii.
The report further breaks down energy consumption per state, as well as ranking price and consumption of natural gas, fuel, and heating.
