Energy prices continue to be dominated by global supply disruptions stemming from conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, while California policies, taxes, and fees kept the state’s energy prices at the highest or near the highest among the contiguous states in August 2026.
California energy prices remained the highest or near the highest among the contiguous states and DC in July 2026, although there was nominal improvement in the rankings for average residential electricity bill and industrial natural gas prices.
California again had the highest or near-highest energy prices among the contiguous states in June 2026, even as fuel prices dropped and the state raised its fuel taxes again on July 1.
California continues to have the highest or near-highest energy costs among the contiguous states, with residential natural gas rates at 4th highest and the average residential electricity bill at 19th highest. The May average gasoline price rose to $6.11, with a $1.78 (41.0%) premium over the rest of the US.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while California also reached an effective end-of-the-line for its policy of relying on increasing fuel imports.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
Average energy prices remained the highest among the contiguous states and DC for electricity and fuels, while average residential natural gas rates notched up to the third highest.
California’s energy cost rankings showed little change in the most recent data except for some easing for average residential electricity bills as California managed to fall $3-10 below Arizona, West Virginia, and Rhode Island.