Most expensive electricity for a heat pump
Reference 2,000 sq ft home · EIA prices · March 2026
High electricity prices are the main headwind for a heat pump. In these states a heat pump can still beat propane, oil and electric resistance, but cheap natural gas is more likely to win on running cost. Always run your own numbers.
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential). Data as of June 2026.
| State | Electricity ¢/kWh | Heat pump $/yr (ref.) |
|---|---|---|
| #1 Hawaii | 42.23¢ | $619/yr |
| #2 California | 33.35¢ | $489/yr |
| #3 Connecticut | 30.47¢ | $2,084/yr |
| #4 Massachusetts | 30.21¢ | $2,066/yr |
| #5 Rhode Island | 29.91¢ | $2,045/yr |
| #6 New York | 28.55¢ | $1,952/yr |
| #7 Maine | 28.32¢ | $3,154/yr |
| #8 Alaska | 27.17¢ | $3,026/yr |
| #9 New Hampshire | 26.92¢ | $2,998/yr |
| #10 District of Columbia | 25.00¢ | $942/yr |
| #11 Vermont | 24.11¢ | $2,685/yr |
| #12 New Jersey | 23.49¢ | $885/yr |
| #13 Maryland | 22.20¢ | $837/yr |
| #14 Michigan | 21.20¢ | $1,450/yr |
| #15 Pennsylvania | 20.92¢ | $1,431/yr |
Frequently asked questions
Which states have the most expensive electricity?
Hawaii tops this list. High electricity prices are the main headwind for a heat pump. In these states a heat pump can still beat propane, oil and electric resistance, but cheap natural gas is more likely to win on running cost. Always run your own numbers. See the full picture on each state page.
How is this ranked?
Each state uses a reference 2,000 sq ft home at its default climate zone, priced at the state's EIA electricity, natural-gas, oil and propane figures, with a 95% AFUE gas furnace and a climate-appropriate heat-pump seasonal COP. It is an estimate - your home will differ.
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Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (residential) and EIA gas/oil/propane. Estimates only — see methodology and disclaimer.
Last updated: 2026-06-29