How much does a well pump cost to run in Montana?
$3.11 a month
- A day of use
- $0.10
- An hour of running
- $0.10
- A year
- $37.30
675 W, 1 hour a day of pumping, at Montana’s average rate of 15.1¢ per kWh (EIA, June 2026). How we calculate this
Change the watts, hours or rate
What it costs at other usage levels
| Use | A day | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour a day typical | $0.10 | $3.11 | $37.30 |
| 2 hours a day | $0.20 | $6.22 | $74.60 |
| 4 hours a day | $0.41 | $12.43 | $149.20 |
| 8 hours a day | $0.82 | $24.87 | $298.41 |
| 24 hours a day | $2.45 | $74.60 | $895.23 |
Models range from 250 W to 1,100 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 675 W, the middle of that range.
Montana compared with other states
Montana’s residential rate is the 16th cheapest of 51 states and DC, 3.2¢ below the US average of 18.3¢ (−17%). Montana’s rate is up 0.3¢ from June 2025 (14.8¢, +2.2%).
Ways to spend less
- Fix leaks and running toilets; every gallon is pumped.
- Check the pressure tank's air charge so the pump doesn't short-cycle.
- Water the garden early in the morning so less evaporates.
Questions
How much does it cost to run a well pump per hour?
About $0.10 an hour in Montana. A well pump at 675 W uses 0.675 kWh per hour, and at Montana’s average of 15.1¢ per kWh that comes to $0.10.
How much does a well pump add to your electric bill?
Used 1 hour a day of pumping, about $3.11 a month in Montana, or $37.30 a year.
How much does it cost to run a well pump 24 hours a day?
Running nonstop, a well pump would use 16.2 kWh a day and cost $2.45 a day, or $74.60 over an average month in Montana.
How many watts does a well pump use?
Models range from 250 W to 1,100 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 675 W, the middle of that range. Check the label on yours: cost scales directly with watts, so a 20% lower wattage means a 20% lower bill.
Why does a well pump cost more or less to run in Montana than elsewhere?
Montana’s residential rate is the 16th cheapest of 51 states and DC, 3.2¢ below the US average of 18.3¢ (−17%). Montana’s rate is up 0.3¢ from June 2025 (14.8¢, +2.2%). The appliance uses the same energy everywhere; only the price per kWh changes.
Sources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (reproduces U.S. Department of Energy sample wattages)
- Penn State EGEE 102: Typical range of power consumption (wattage)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, June 2026 Figures transcribed from republications of this table on September 26, 2026; pending direct verification from the EIA API.
- Carrier page: June 2026 residential average price, citing EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A
Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the methodology page. Found an error? Tell us.