Real-time and day-ahead wholesale power prices (locational marginal prices) provide an immediate signal of electricity market conditions. Rising prices indicate tight supply or high demand, foreshadowing higher retail rates. Falling prices suggest abundant supply or lower demand, which can reduce consumer electricity costs.
Real-Time & Day-Ahead Wholesale Power Prices
$51/MWh
Direction: Up
The EIA forecasts that average load-weighted day-ahead wholesale electricity prices across 11 regional markets will rise to about $51/MWh in 2026, up from $47/MWh in 2025【559751892747224†L104-L114】.
Past Year Trend for Real-Time & Day-Ahead Wholesale Power Prices
Over the past year, wholesale electricity prices have trended higher. The EIA projects that the load‑weighted average wholesale price rose from about $38/MWh in 2024 to around $47/MWh in 2025 and expects it to increase further to $51/MWh in 2026. Rising wholesale prices typically mean higher retail rates for consumers.
