What Is The Average Electric Bill in Arkansas [2024 Updated]

The average electric bill in Arkansas is $137.19, which comes from an average electric rate of 12.36 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,110 kWh. The historical data from the EIA shows that the electric rate in June 2023 was 12.44 ¢/kWh, which increased to 12.36 ¢/kWh in June 2024. This slight rise still keeps Arkansas among the more affordable states for electricity costs. This is further reflected in the overall cost of living in Arkansas, which averages around $1,100 per month, significantly lower than that of other states.

Based on historical data, Arkansas residents may be paying electricity at the rate of 13.60 ¢/kWh in 2025. By 2030, the projected rate would be around 17.83 ¢/kWh. If you live in Arkansas and are looking to reduce your reliance on the on-grid power supply, you can check out Jackery Solar Generators. This economical power supply solution is ideal for extended power cuts, as it can be used during long road trips or RV living.

Key Takeaways

In this comprehensive guide to understanding the average electric bill in Arkansas, we are going to cover a wide range of topics, like:

• A detailed comparison between the current electricity bill in Arkansas and the national average.
• An estimated electricity charge based on the home size in Arkansas.
• A thorough comparison of different electricity providers in Arkansas and guidance on choosing the best one.
• An analysis of the most common utilities in Arkansas that influence the cost of living.
• Insights into how much one can save on electricity bills over the next 10 or 30 years by choosing solar energy.

What Is The Average Electric Bill in Arkansas?

The average electric bill in Arkansas is $137.19 per month, calculated from an average residential electricity rate of 12.36 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,110 kWh. According to the EIA's yearly report, the electricity rate has seen a modest decrease from 12.44 ¢/kWh in June 2023 to 12.36 ¢/kWh in June 2024.

With an average rate of US $16.41 ¢/kWh and monthly consumption of around 899 kWh, the national average electric bill is $147.52. This latest data depicts that Arkansans pay less than the national average. This affordability is a significant factor in the state's overall lower cost of living.

The differences are noteworthy when you compare Arkansas's average data to neighboring states like Oklahoma and Texas. The average electric bill in Oklahoma is $142.87, with a rate of 12.37 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,155 kWh. Texas, known for its vast energy resources, has an average rate of 14.47 ¢/kWh and an average electricity bill of $170.45. These comparisons with neighboring states and the nationwide data highlight Arkansas's advantageous position in terms of electricity affordability.

That said, the average electric bill in Arkansas varies across its major cities. It is calculated by the electric rates provided by the companies and the average monthly consumption. For instance, the average monthly bill in Little Rock is around $120, while in Bentonville, it comes around $160. Similarly, residents of Rogers City pay about $110 monthly, whereas the residents of Fayetteville and Conway pay $150 against their electricity bill.

Here's a detailed comparison between the average electric bill in Arkansas with the national data to give you a thorough understanding of its overall rank:

The above data shows that Arkansas has a considerably lower electricity rate than other states. Consequently, the monthly average electricity bill in Arkansas will also depend on the size of your home. For instance, if you live in a 500-square-foot apartment and possess basic appliances, your average electric bill will be around $64.40 monthly. However, if you reside in a 3,000-square-foot home with multiple high-wattage appliances, like an air conditioner, room heater, multiple lights, etc., your average electricity bill will rise to approximately $386.40.

Here's an estimated average electric rate based on the size of your residence in Arkansas:

What Are The Electric Rates in Arkansas?

The electric rate is the cost per unit of electricity consumed by the customer. In Arkansas, the residential electric rate as of June 2024 is 12.36 ¢/kWh. This rate is a summation of different costs that a utility provider bears when it provides electricity to the end-user. Some of the most prominent costs include generation, transmission, and distribution costs.

In most states, electric rates vary based on various factors, including, but not limited to, fuel cost, infrastructure maintenance, and ongoing regulatory policies. For instance, Entergy Arkansas and South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative are two major electricity providers in Arkansas, and they have varying rates and fee structures.

Time of Use Rates

The time-of-use (TOU) rate is a pricing scheme started by different electricity providers. These providers offer competitive rates to their customers based on the time and period of their respective usage. This rate structure is designed to encourage consumers to use electricity during off-peak hours when demand is lower and electricity is cheaper.

For instance, Entergy Arkansas offers a time-of-use plan under which residential customers are charged 13.88 ¢/kWh during the on-peak hours but only 5.71 ¢/kWh if they consume electricity during the off-peak hours. As the difference in the electric rate shows, the TOU rates help consumers by lowering their bills and helping utility companies balance their supply and demand effectively.

Electricity Providers in Arkansas

Arkansas has several major electricity providers, each with its own structures and service charges.

For instance, South Central Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SCAEC) charges its customers a residential availability fee of $25 and a rate of 13.151 ¢/kWh. Similarly, Entergy Arkansas has a customer charge of $8.40, but their rates vary seasonally -- from June to September, the first 1,500 kWh are charged at 7.39 ¢/kWh, with any additional consumption at 9.59 ¢/kWh. From October to May, the first 1,000 kWh cost 6.99 ¢/kWh, with additional kWh at 5.15 ¢/kWh.

Apart from this, Liberty Utilities charges a customer access charge of $13.57 and has different rate plans for summer and winter. During the summer, Liberty Utilities charges electricity at 9.43 ¢/kWh for the first 600 kWh and 9.96 ¢/kWh for additional usage. However, winter rates are slightly lower, at 9.33 ¢/kWh for the first 600 kWh and 7.86 ¢/kWh for any additional usage.

North Arkansas Electric Cooperative, Inc. charges a distribution fee of $1.04, with summer rates at 10.73 ¢/kWh and winter rates of 10.713 ¢/kWh for the first 500 kWh, dropping to 8.64 ¢/kWh for any excess usage by the customers.

Note: These rates are based on June 2024's data from the respective utility providers' websites. Please refer to the providers' websites for the latest information.

With these many options, it is common to get confused when choosing the best electricity provider. When comparing the electric rates from different providers in Arkansas, it's important to consider several factors to ensure you find the best rate for your needs.

Understand Your Consumption

Review your past bills to understand, analyze, and measure your monthly electricity consumption. This will help you predict your household's future usage.

Examine Rate Structures

Refer to the electricity provider's website and look at their different rate structures. Some providers offer flat rates, while others have time-of-use rates, where the charges vary depending on the time of day and season.

Compare Base Charges & Fees

Apart from checking the per-kWh charges, you should also pay close attention to the base charges and hidden fees. These charges or fees may include customer charges, availability charges, distribution charges, and early termination charges.

Porting Benefits

Some electricity providers even offer porting benefits to customers migrating from a different provider. You can check such discounts or programs offered by the providers to take advantage of these one-time benefits.

Compare Rates & Terms

Once you have finalized the electricity provider, review their rates and contract terms and gain insights. You can even contact the electricity providers directly to inquire about their rates, terms, and any special conditions you must meet. This can give you a sense of their customer service quality and help you make a well-informed decision.

How Much Does It Cost to Live in Arkansas?

The cost of living in Arkansas is roughly between $900 and $1100 per person, without considering housing rent. It comprises the cost of utilities, medical bills, groceries, transportation, housing, and miscellaneous expenditures.

Here is a detailed breakdown of the utilities that add roughly $250 - $350 to your monthly cost of living in Arkansas:

Electricity

Like most places in the United States, electricity is one of the major utility costs. According to data acquired from the EIA, the average monthly electric bill in Arkansas is $137.19. This cost is calculated from an average residential electricity rate of 12.36 ¢/kWh and an average monthly consumption of 1,110 kWh. Remember, electricity charges may vary based on the size of the home and the number of high-wattage appliances used during the on-peak or off-peak hours.

Natural Gas

Natural gas is another common utility that adds to Arkansas's overall monthly cost of living. Most importantly, natural gas is consumed more during winter to warm the apartment. The average cost for residential natural gas in Arkansas is around $12.66 per thousand cubic feet.

Water Charges

Water charges in Arkansas are relatively low compared to other places. The monthly bill for using 1,500 gallons or less is approximately $10.20. Additionally, there are charges based on the size of the water meter. For instance, you will need to pay $9.90 for a 1-inch meter and $28.23 for a 2-inch meter. There is a special discounted price for senior citizens who need to pay $4.00 per month.

Sewer Charges

With a volume rate of $5.44 per thousand gallons, sewer services in Arkansas are billed at a flat rate of $15.63 per month.

Trash Disposal

Trash disposal fees in Arkansas are around $19.97 per month. Most services include the regular collection and disposal of household waste.

Internet Charges

Internet charges can vary significantly based on speed and provider. For instance, some service providers offer internet services at $20 per month for the first year for 75 Mbps speed, and a few companies offer internet at $85 per month for 1,200 Mbps.

Cable TV

Arkansas offers a wide range of providers for those looking for home entertainment and prefer cable TV. Their prices range from $30 to $70 per month, depending on the number of channels and the provider.

Tips to Lower Utilities Cost

There are a few handy tips that would help you lower your utilities cost in Arkansas, like:

• Try replacing old appliances with modern energy-efficient models to reduce electricity consumption.
• Buy a programmable thermostat that will help you optimize heating and cooling schedules.
• Always ensure that the windows and doors of your house or building are properly sealed.
• Replace incandescent bulbs with the LEDs in every room.
• Try investing in solar power to generate your own electricity. If you are looking for more economical and portable solutions, check out Jackery Solar Generators.
• Schedule regular maintenance for your HVAC systems to ensure they run efficiently and do not consume unnecessary electricity and gas.

How Did the Arkansas Electric Bill Change?

From 2010 to 2024, the average electric rates in Arkansas have seen notable changes due to economic shifts and changes in infrastructure costs. In 2010, the average rate was 8.56 ¢/kWh; by 2014, it had slightly decreased to 8.45 ¢/kWh.

The trend reversed by 2018, with rates rising to 9.82 ¢/kWh and slightly increasing to 9.90 ¢/kWh in 2020. However, the residents in Arkansas saw their electricity rates climbing further to 12.17 ¢/kWh in 2021 but then dropped to 10.39 ¢/kWh in 2022 due to regulatory changes. But in January 2023, the rate decreased to 11.99 ¢/kWh but rose to 12.36 ¢/kWh by June 2024.

Here's a detailed look at the changes in the electric rates in Arkansas over the years:

Despite the changes, Arkansas's electric bills have remained relatively low compared to national averages. For instance, in 2010, the national average electric rate was 10.89 ¢/kWh; in 2020, it rose to 12.36 ¢/kWh in 2024.

Factors Affecting Variations in Electric Bills

As you can see, there is a significant variation in the prices over the years. Several factors affect the changes in the electric bills, like:

Fuel Costs

Changes in fuel prices directly influence the cost of fuels used for electricity generation, such as natural gas and coal. If fuel prices fluctuate, Arkansas residents will see a change in their bill amounts.

Infrastructure Investments

If the utility providers upgrade or maintain the electrical grid and generation facilities, this will affect the distribution charges, which are later borne by the customers.

Weather Conditions

Extreme weather conditions, such as hot summers or cold winters, can significantly drive up energy consumption and costs. It is often circulated by the utility providers that they may adjust their rates to account for increased demand and the costs associated with service during extreme weather.

Jackery Solar Generators For Lowering Your Electric Bills

Jackery is an internationally recognized brand that manufactures a wide range of solar generators, solar panels, and portable power stations. The Jackery Solar Generators that are ideal for extended power backups combine the overall efficiency of Jackery Portable Power Stations and easy-to-carry Jackery SolarSaga Solar Panels.

The solar panels are equipped with monocrystalline silicon cells that harness the sun's energy and transfer the converted DC electricity to the Jackery Portable Power Stations. These power stations have pure sine wave inverters that convert the transferred energy into AC electricity, which can be used to charge your indoor and outdoor equipment.

Jackery Solar Generators are ideal for powering small-to-heavy-duty appliances, like central air conditioners, refrigerators, microwave ovens, and other household appliances. Due to their ergonomic and portable design, you can carry them easily, which reduces your reliance on an on-grid power supply. If you are looking to reduce your average electric bill in Arkansas, here are the best-selling solar generators from Jackery:

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro

Jackery Solar Generator 3000 Pro is ideal for those looking to get a powerful solar generator that reduces their dependency on the on-grid power supply. These solar generators are equipped with high-capacity batteries that help charge and power essential appliances, like air conditioners, televisions, refrigerators, sump pumps, portable fans, and more. The multiport option of this generator helps power multiple appliances at once, making it ideal for large families.

Appliance Running Time

• Air Conditioner (1500W): 1.7H
• Coffee Maker (1000W): 2.5H
• Refrigerator (800W): 3.2H
• TV (150W): 17.1H
• Laptop (120W): 21.4H