Commercial Energy Market Updates

The latest

Market commentary

Short, practical reads on the commercial energy market — and what each shift means for how and when you lock a rate.

July 2026

Summer demand is here — lock before the peak

Commercial electricity now averages 13.92¢/kWh nationally, up +5.8% year over year, and summer cooling demand typically pushes wholesale prices to their annual highs in July and August. For businesses with a contract expiring this year, the takeaway is simple: don’t wait for renewal to arrive in the middle of peak season. Locking a fixed rate now — ideally 60–90 days before your term ends — avoids rolling onto a month-to-month holdover rate that can run 2–3× a contracted price.

June 2026

Why fixed still beats variable in 2026

With rates up +5.8% over the past year and continued volatility from data-center demand growth and fuel costs, the case for a fixed rate is as strong as it’s been. A variable or ‘index’ rate may look cheaper in a mild month, but it leaves your business exposed to exactly the summer and winter spikes the market is prone to. A fixed rate holds flat for the full term — the budget certainty is the point.

June 2026

Natural gas: watch the winter setup

Commercial natural gas is averaging about $12.36/Mcf nationally, but the number that matters is where it’s heading. New England and the Mid-Atlantic compete for pipeline gas each winter for both heating and power generation, so a cold snap can move prices fast. Businesses that use gas — especially dual-fuel operations — are wise to lock a fixed gas rate alongside electricity before the heating season sets the tone.

May 2026

Where rates are highest and lowest right now

The spread between states remains enormous: commercial rates run from about 7.46¢/kWh in North Dakota to 37.93¢ in Hawaii. If you operate in multiple states, that spread is a reminder that a one-size renewal leaves money on the table — each market should be shopped on its own. Our rates-by-state page tracks the latest EIA figures for every state.

Rate figures reflect the latest EIA data and update monthly. For the full picture, see electricity rates by state, natural gas rates by state, and our commercial energy rates report.

Common questions

About these updates

We refresh our commentary regularly and update the underlying rate figures monthly from U.S. EIA data, so the numbers you see reflect the latest published market.

Use them as context, not a trigger. The best time to lock is usually 60–90 days before your contract expires, in a calmer market window. If an update makes you wonder about your own timing, send us a bill and we’ll benchmark your rate against live offers.

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) — the official source for average retail electricity and natural gas prices. We track it so you don’t have to.

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Commercial energy market updates.