What Is The Average Electric Bill in Arkansas [2026 Updated]

The average electric bill in Arkansas is $137.94, which comes from an average electric rate of 13.15 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,049 kWh. The historical data from the EIA shows that the electric rate in May 2024 was 12.29 ¢/kWh, which increased to 13.15 ¢/kWh in May 2025. 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. These essential home backup solutions are ideal for extended power cuts and can be used to power appliances to reduce reliance on the grid.

Takeaways

• Arkansas households paid an average electricity rate of 13.15 ¢/kWh in May 2025, resulting in a typical monthly bill of $137.94. 
• For May 2025, the average residential electricity bill in Arkansas was slightly lower ($137.94 per month) than the national average of $157.05 per month.
• How much does it cost to live in Arkansas.
• How did the Arkansas electric bill change in the past years.

What Is The Average Electric Bill in Arkansas?

The average electric bill in Arkansas is $137.94 per month, calculated from an average residential electricity rate of 13.15 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,049 kWh. According to the EIA's yearly report, the electricity rate has seen a modest increase from 12.29 ¢/kWh in May 2024 to 13.15 ¢/kWh in May 2025.

With an average rate of US $17.47 ¢/kWh and monthly consumption of around 899 kWh, the national average electric bill is $157.05. 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 $138.33, with a rate of 12.94 ¢/kWh and a monthly consumption of 1,069 kWh. Texas, known for its vast energy resources, has an average rate of 15.49 ¢/kWh and an average electricity bill of $177.52. 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:

Source: EIA Data from May 2025

The above data shows that Arkansas has a considerably lower electricity rate than many 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 $65.75 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 $394.50 per month.

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

Note: For calculation purposes, we assume that a 500 square foot house in Arkansas has a monthly consumption of 500 kWh.

What Are The Electric Rates in Arkansas?

In Arkansas, the residential electric rate as of May 2025 is 13.15 ¢/kWh. This rate is a summation of different costs that a utility provider bears when it provides electricity to the end-user. The electric rate is the cost per unit of electricity consumed by the customer. 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.

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, Liberty Utilities charges a customer access charge of $16.10 and has different rate plans for summer and winter. During the summer, Liberty Utilities charges electricity at 11.11 ¢/kWh for the first 600 kWh and 11.82 ¢/kWh for additional usage per kWh. However, winter rates are slightly lower, at 11.07 ¢/kWh for the first 600 kWh and 9.33 ¢/kWh for any additional usage per kWh.

Note: These rates are based on 2025 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 $137.94. This cost is calculated from an average residential electricity rate of 13.15 ¢/kWh and an average monthly consumption of 1,049 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. As of May 2025, the average cost for residential natural gas in Arkansas is around $27.43 per thousand cubic feet.

Water Charges

Water charges in Arkansas vary significantly by city, utility provider, and meter size. For example, Central Arkansas Water in Little Rock charges a $10.44 monthly service fee for a standard 5/8" meter, while Conway residents pay $7.88 plus $4.57 per 1,000 gallons. Rogers has a $14.85 minimum for up to 1,500 gallons. Many providers also add small fees for watershed protection or state water programs. 

Sewer Charges

The sewer charges in Arkansas depend on your municipality and utility company. For instance, the Diamond City in Arkansas charges $29 for the first 1000 gallons. Rogers Water Utilities charges a flat rate of $18.52 per month.

Trash Disposal

Trash rates in Arkansas vary by city and utility provider. For instance, the residential trash collection rates of the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, are $12.40/month for a 32-gallon cart, $18.94 for a 64-gallon cart, and $26.89 for a 96-gallon cart. 

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 2025, 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 9.02 ¢/kWh. And, by 2016, it had slightly increased to 10.28 ¢/kWh.

The electric rate started reducing after 2016, with rates around 9.80 ¢/kWh in 2018. However, the residents in Arkansas saw their electricity rates climbing further to 12.05 ¢/kWh in 2021 and then increased to 12.25 ¢/kWh in 2022. In January 2023, the rate decreased to 12.24 ¢/kWh, but rose to 13.15 ¢/kWh by May 2025.

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

Source: EIA

Despite the changes, Arkansas's electric bills have remained relatively low compared to national averages. For instance, in May 2024, the national average electric rate was 16.41 ¢/kWh. In May 2025, it rose to 17.47 ¢/kWh.

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

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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: