East Central Energy residential customers paid an average of 16.89¢/kWh in 2024 —
8% above the Minnesota average of 15.64¢/kWh (EIA-861).
It served 55,250 residential customers across 10 MN counties.
Territories are fixed by address, but the cheapest nearby utility, Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Comp (13.33¢), works out about $384/yr less at 10,800 kWh/yr.
How East Central Energy compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs East Central Energy, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Comp | 13.33 | 44,698 | -3.56 | -$384 |
| Connexus Energy | 13.66 | 134,095 | -3.23 | -$349 |
| Stearns Cooperative Elec Assn | 13.88 | 26,138 | -3.01 | -$325 |
| Wright-Hennepin Coop Elec Assn | 14.59 | 53,714 | -2.30 | -$248 |
| ALLETE, Inc. | 15.66 | 125,896 | -1.22 | -$132 |
| City of Elk River | 15.83 | 11,776 | -1.06 | -$114 |
| East Central Energy (this page) | 16.89 | 55,250 | — | — |
| Northern States Power Co - Minnesota | 16.98 | 1,230,057 | +0.10 | +$10 |
| Mille Lacs Energy Cooperative | 17.58 | 14,546 | +0.69 | +$75 |
| Lake Country Power | 17.90 | 47,204 | +1.01 | +$109 |
9 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with East Central Energy. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than East Central Energy customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where East Central Energy customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | East Central Energy premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kanabec | City of Marshall | 9.70 | +$777 |
| Morrison | Crow Wing Cooperative Power & Light Comp | 13.33 | +$384 |
| Chisago | Connexus Energy | 13.66 | +$349 |
| Isanti | Connexus Energy | 13.66 | +$349 |
| Mille Lacs | Connexus Energy | 13.66 | +$349 |
| Sherburne | Connexus Energy | 13.66 | +$349 |
| Washington | Connexus Energy | 13.66 | +$349 |
| Pine | Northwestern Wisconsin Elec Co | 14.45 | +$263 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies. Showing the 8 highest-premium counties of 10 served.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 15.79 | 16.89 | +6.9% |
| Residential customers | 54,802 | 55,250 | +0.8% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Statewide context: Minnesota electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a East Central Energy bill
Minnesota is a regulated retail market — East Central Energy customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: mn.gov/puc.
Counties served (MN, EIA-861 2024)
Aitkin · Benton · Chisago · Isanti · Kanabec · Mille Lacs · Morrison · Pine · Sherburne · Washington
Head-to-head comparisons
- Northern States Power Co - Minnesota vs East Central Energy
- Connexus Energy vs East Central Energy
- ALLETE, Inc. vs East Central Energy
- East Central Energy vs Wright-Hennepin Coop Elec Assn
Questions people ask
- Is East Central Energy more expensive than other Minnesota utilities?
- East Central Energy customers paid an average 16.89 cents/kWh in 2024 — 8% above the Minnesota volume-weighted average of 15.64 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from East Central Energy?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and Minnesota has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (mn.gov/puc).
- How many customers does East Central Energy have?
- 55,250 residential customers in Minnesota in 2024 across 10 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.
About these numbers. Rates shown are averages computed from federal regulatory filings (EIA Form 861)
and public tariff databases — confirm with your utility before making decisions; your actual rate depends on your tariff,
usage, and riders. Distribution utility is determined by address and generally cannot be chosen; in retail-choice states
you may choose your supplier for the supply portion of the bill. Savings figures use 10,800 kWh/yr
(US average residential usage) and are estimates, not quotes. EnergySavings is an independent data project by CertiHomes
and is not affiliated with any utility, supplier, or government agency.