The price of electricity sold to the grid
The wholesale price of electricity on the electric power grid reflects the real-time cost for supplying electricity. Demand for electricity contributes to the cost of supplying electricity. Electricity demand is usually highest in the afternoon and early evening (peak hours), so costs to provide electricity are usually higher at these times.
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in electricity sold to the grid have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
6 FAQs about [The price of electricity sold to the grid]
What is the retail price of electricity?
The retail price of electricity to industrial customers is generally close to the wholesale price of electricity. In 2022, the U.S. annual average retail price of electricity was about 12.49¢ per kilowatthour (kWh). 1 Electricity prices vary by locality based on the availability of power plants and fuels, local fuel costs, and pricing regulations.
Why do wholesale electricity prices change over a quarter?
While wholesale electricity prices are determined by a large number of factors specific to each electricity market, changes averaged over a quarter are most often due to shifts in the balance of supply and demand and in the price of key input fuels.
How does wholesale electricity affect the cost of supplying electricity?
The wholesale price of electricity on the electric power grid reflects the real-time cost for supplying electricity. Demand for electricity contributes to the cost of supplying electricity. Electricity demand is usually highest in the afternoon and early evening (peak hours), so costs to provide electricity are usually higher at these times.
How are electricity prices collected?
Prices, except for electricity, are collected monthly by BLS representatives in the 75 urban areas priced for the CPI. Electricity prices are collected for the BLS for the same 75 areas on a monthly basis by the Department of Energy using mail questionnaires.
Why are electricity prices important?
Electricity prices generally reflect the cost to build, finance, maintain, and operate power plants and the electricity grid (the complex system of power transmission and distribution lines). Some for-profit utilities also include a financial return for owners and shareholders in their electricity prices.
What happened to electricity prices in the third quarter?
While market prices recovered in the third quarter, thanks to higher demand and higher natural gas prices, the rolling 12-month average electricity price index continued to fall to a level 28% below the level seen in the final quarter of 2019 – and in fact below the level observed in quarter four of 2016.