Idaho, Montana & Wyoming Electricity: Mountain West Rate Guide

Idaho, Montana & Wyoming Electricity: Mountain West Rate Guide

Idaho, Montana, and Wyoming share similar electricity characteristics - abundant hydropower, low population density, and rates generally below the national average.

Idaho Utilities

Idaho Power

Serves approximately 590,000 customers in southern Idaho.

• Average rate: ~10.5 cents per kWh
• Heavy hydropower reliance

Avista (Northern Idaho)

Serves approximately 125,000 customers.

• Average rate: ~10.8 cents per kWh
• Hydro and natural gas mix

Rocky Mountain Power (Eastern Idaho)

Serves parts of eastern Idaho.

• Average rate: ~11.2 cents per kWh

Montana Utilities

NorthWestern Energy

Serves approximately 370,000 customers.

• Average rate: ~11.5 cents per kWh
• Mix of hydro, wind, and thermal

Flathead Electric Cooperative

Serves northwestern Montana.

• Average rate: ~10.2 cents per kWh
• Bonneville Power Administration supply

Wyoming Utilities

Rocky Mountain Power

Serves most of Wyoming.

• Average rate: ~11.8 cents per kWh
• Coal and wind generation

Black Hills Energy

Serves Cheyenne and eastern Wyoming.

• Average rate: ~12.5 cents per kWh

Why Mountain West Rates Are Low

1. Hydropower legacy - dams provide cheap power
2. Wind energy growth - excellent wind resources
3. Low population density - less infrastructure per customer
4. Coal resources - historically cheap fuel

Energy Assistance Programs

Each state offers:

• LIHEAP through state agencies
• Weatherization Assistance
• Utility payment plans
• Emergency assistance programs

Tips for Mountain West Residents

1. Appreciate low rates - among lowest in nation
2. Prepare for winter - heating is the big expense
3. Consider heat pumps - efficient even in cold climates
4. Take advantage of efficiency programs