Electricity prices in the United States
On November 9, 2026, electricity in Northern California (CAISO NP15) costs 5.1¢/kWh on average on the day-ahead market: lowest 3.3¢/kWh at 10 am, highest 6.5¢/kWh at 4 pm.
Hourly prices · Northern California (CAISO NP15) · Today
Hourly prices for Northern California (CAISO NP15) → · Cheapest hour planner →
All price zones today
| Zone | Average | Lowest | Highest | vs. yesterday | Cheapest hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern California (CAISO NP15) | 5.1¢/kWh | 3.3¢/kWh | 6.5¢/kWh | +17% | 10 am, 11 am, 12 pm |
| Southern California (CAISO SP15) | 4.7¢/kWh | 2.7¢/kWh | 6.3¢/kWh | +32% | 8 am, 9 am, 10 am |
| New York City (NYISO) | 3.7¢/kWh | 2.2¢/kWh | 6.1¢/kWh | +24% | 2 am, 3 am, 4 am |
| Upstate New York (NYISO) | 3.4¢/kWh | 2.1¢/kWh | 5.7¢/kWh | +25% | 2 am, 3 am, 4 am |
| New England (ISO-NE hub) | 4.2¢/kWh | 3.3¢/kWh | 5.9¢/kWh | +7% | 1 am, 2 am, 11 am |
| Upper Midwest (MISO Minnesota hub) | 2.2¢/kWh | 0.8¢/kWh | 7.8¢/kWh | +12% | 2 am, 3 am, 4 am |
| Illinois (MISO hub) | 3.1¢/kWh | 1.0¢/kWh | 8.6¢/kWh | +40% | 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm |
| Indiana (MISO hub) | 3.6¢/kWh | 2.2¢/kWh | 9.4¢/kWh | +32% | 12 pm, 1 pm, 2 pm |
| Michigan (MISO hub) | 3.7¢/kWh | 2.4¢/kWh | 9.7¢/kWh | +50% | 9 am, 12 pm, 1 pm |
| Arkansas (MISO hub) | 1.9¢/kWh | 1.0¢/kWh | 5.5¢/kWh | -3% | 9 am, 11 am, 12 pm |
| Louisiana (MISO hub) | 3.0¢/kWh | 2.1¢/kWh | 7.6¢/kWh | +30% | 2 am, 9 am, 11 am |
| Mississippi (MISO hub) | 3.1¢/kWh | 2.1¢/kWh | 7.7¢/kWh | +35% | 12 am, 1 am, 11 am |
Daily average over the last 30 days: Northern California (CAISO NP15)
Residential electricity rates by state
The average household tariff in the United States is 21.0¢/kWh (all taxes and fixed charges included, August 2026).
Frequently asked questions
What is the day-ahead electricity price?
It is the wholesale price for each hour of the next day, set every day in an auction on the power exchange or by the grid operator. Households with a dynamic tariff pay this price plus taxes, network charges and a supplier margin; on a fixed tariff the price per kWh follows the market only with a delay.
Why are electricity prices sometimes negative?
When wind and solar produce more than the grid needs, for example on sunny and windy weekends, some producers pay to deliver power rather than switch off. With a dynamic tariff these are the cheapest hours to charge a car or run appliances.
When are tomorrow's prices published?
Day-ahead prices for the next day usually appear in the early afternoon (in Europe after the noon auction). This page updates automatically several times a day.
How can I benefit from the cheap hours?
Move flexible consumption, such as the washing machine, dishwasher, heat pump or car charging, into the cheapest hours. With a dynamic tariff the saving goes straight to your bill; with a fixed tariff it helps the grid but does not change your bill.