Electricity Rates in Boise, ID (2026)
The average residential electricity rate in Boise, ID is approximately 10.5 cents/kWh. This is 5% above the Idaho state average of 10.0 cents/kWh, and 34% below the national average of 16.0 cents/kWh. Even with lower rates, Boise homeowners can benefit from solar through state incentives, net metering, and protection against future rate increases.
Idaho State Average
10.0¢
per kWh
Boise is 5% higher
National Average
16.0¢
per kWh
Boise is 34% lower
Utility Providers Serving Boise, ID
The following utility companies operate in Idaho and may serve the Boise area. Rates can vary depending on your specific provider and plan.
| Utility Provider | Avg Rate ($/kWh) | Service Area |
|---|---|---|
| Idaho Power | $0.10/kWh | Southern Idaho |
| Avista Utilities | $0.09/kWh | Northern Idaho |
| Rocky Mountain Power | $0.11/kWh | Eastern Idaho |
| Idaho Falls Power | $0.08/kWh | Idaho Falls area |
Electricity Rate History in Boise, ID
The table below shows the trend of residential electricity rates in the Boise area over recent years. Understanding rate trends helps you evaluate the long-term value of going solar.
| Year | Avg Rate (cents/kWh) | Year-over-Year Change |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 8.0¢ | -- |
| 2021 | 9.0¢ | +12.5% |
| 2022 | 9.0¢ | 0.0% |
| 2023 | 10.0¢ | +11.1% |
| 2024 | 10.0¢ | 0.0% |
| 2025 | 10.0¢ | 0.0% |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) residential electricity rate data for Idaho.
How Boise Electricity Rates Affect Solar Savings
Your electricity rate is the single most important factor in determining how quickly solar panels pay for themselves. At 10.5 cents/kWh, every kilowatt-hour your solar system generates directly offsets energy you would otherwise purchase from your utility provider.
Although Boise's electricity rate is currently below the national average, rates in Idaho have been trending upward. The typical solar payback period in Idaho is approximately 9 years. Installing solar now locks in your energy costs for 25+ years, protecting you from future rate increases while benefiting from available state incentives.
Idaho's net metering policy is another advantage for Boise homeowners. When your solar system produces more energy than you use, the excess is sent back to the grid and you receive credits on your electric bill. During peak production months, these credits can offset your costs during lower-production periods, effectively reducing your annual electricity bill to near zero.
With approximately 4.7 peak sun hours per day, Boise receives good solar irradiance. Combined with available incentives and available state incentives, solar panels are a smart financial decision for homeowners in Boise, ID.
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