Electricity Rates in Louisiana (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
Louisiana Benefits from Being a Natural Gas Producing State
Louisiana is one of the largest natural gas producing states in the country, and that proximity to fuel supply translates to low generation costs. At 11.98 cents/kWh, Louisiana has some of the cheapest electricity in the nation. Natural gas generates roughly 60% of the state's power, with nuclear (Waterford and River Bend) providing most of the remainder.
Humidity Drives High Consumption Despite Low Rates
Louisiana's subtropical climate means air conditioning runs 6-8 months per year. The combination of heat and extreme humidity forces AC systems to work overtime on dehumidification. Average residential consumption is about 1,200 kWh/month, well above the national average. Even at Louisiana's low rate, monthly bills can reach $150-$200 in summer.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in Louisiana
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Louisiana
Monthly costs at 11.98¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $97.04 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $287.52 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $103.51 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $86.26 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $17.97 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $48.52 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $57.5 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $100.63 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $8.99 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $6.47 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $0.97 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $3.23 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $43.13 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $43.13 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $32.35 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in Louisiana
- Louisiana's humidity is as big a factor as temperature. A properly sized HVAC system with good dehumidification capability saves more than an oversized unit that short-cycles.
- Entergy Louisiana offers energy efficiency rebates and programs. Check their website for current offerings on insulation, HVAC, and smart thermostats.
- Attic insulation is especially important in Louisiana, where the sun heats roofs to 150F+ in summer. Adding insulation to R-38 can reduce cooling costs by 15-25%.
- If your home has single-pane windows, the energy loss is significant in Louisiana's climate. Low-E storm windows or replacement windows pay back in 5-8 years.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Electricity
Louisiana produces enormous amounts of natural gas, and proximity to fuel supply keeps generation costs low. Additionally, the state's two nuclear plants provide low-marginal-cost baseload power. The combination of cheap gas and nuclear keeps Louisiana among the 10 cheapest states for residential electricity.
Despite low rates, the average Louisiana household pays about $130-$160 per month because of high consumption driven by the long, hot, humid cooling season. Summer bills frequently reach $180-$250. The most effective way to reduce your Louisiana electricity bill is to improve your home's insulation and ensure your HVAC system is properly sized and maintained.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how Louisiana compares to other states in the South Central region:
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.