This area is served by 22 utility providers across 4 categories. The average residential electricity rate here is 17.9¢/kWh. 3.4% of households use bottled/lp gas as their primary heating fuel.
Utility rates in ZIP 51242 vs. US average
Typical monthly utility bills in ZIP 51242
Figures from U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates, reflecting households that pay utilities separately from rent. In dense urban areas where heat or hot water is often included in rent, these numbers represent the subset of residents who pay directly.
Electric
Water
Sewer
Internet
Nearby ZIP codes
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 51242?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (Interstate Power and Light Co) since those typically need a few business days to activate. Water and sewer are often handled with one call to your local utility. Set up internet last since it may require an installation visit.
How do utility rates in 51242 compare to the national average?
Residential electricity in Lester, IA averages 17.9¢/kWh, about 9% above the US average of 16.5¢/kWh and 34% above the Iowa state average of 13.4¢/kWh. Natural gas in Iowa averages $10.33/Mcf, about 29% below the national average. Actual monthly bills vary by home size, insulation, and season. Local rates from NREL; state and US averages from EIA Form 861 (2024); natural gas prices from EIA Form 176 (2024).
Is electricity expensive in 51242?
Electricity in Lester, IA costs about 9% more than the national average. Compared to Iowa overall, rates here are about 34% higher. Local rates from NREL (2023); state and US averages from EIA (2024).
What internet providers are available in 51242?
Lester, IA has strong broadband coverage. Providers include AT&T (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), Alliance Communications Cooperative Inc (Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), Fenton Coop Tel. Co. (Fiber up to 100 Mbps), T-Mobile (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Fixed Wireless up to 10 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 51242 in?
ZIP code 51242 is in Lyon County, Iowa.
Disclaimer: Provider information is sourced from federal databases including HIFLD, EPA SDWIS, FCC Broadband Data, and EIA-861. Utility cost estimates are from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Local electric rates are based on 2023 NREL Utility Rate Database data; state and US averages are from EIA Form 861 (2024). Coverage areas are approximate and may not reflect recent changes. Please verify directly with your provider.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, NREL, EIA-861, HIFLD, EPA, FCC. Last updated: May 2026.