Cost to Run a Refrigerator in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 35% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a refrigerator here costs $27.80 per month.
Per hour
3.8¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$0.91
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$27.80
109 kWh
Per year
$334
1,314 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.46 | $13.90 | $167 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.91 | $27.80 | $334 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.83 | $55.60 | $668 |
Washington, D.C. vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $0.91 per day, $27.80 per month, or $334 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 35% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $27.80 per month here versus $20.57 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.