ZIP code 98542 is located in Lewis County, Washington. The average residential electricity rate here is 9.4¢/kWh. 94.6% of households use electricity as their primary heating fuel.
Utility rates in ZIP 98542 vs. US average
Typical monthly utility bills in ZIP 98542
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.
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Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 98542?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (Benton Rural Electric Assn) 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 98542 compare to the national average?
Residential electricity in ZIP code 98542 averages 9.4¢/kWh, about 43% below the US average of 16.5¢/kWh and 21% below the Washington state average of 11.9¢/kWh. Natural gas in Washington averages $12.72/Mcf, about 12% 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 98542?
No — electricity in ZIP code 98542 costs about 43% less than the national average. Compared to Washington overall, rates here are about 21% lower. Local rates from NREL (2023); state and US averages from EIA (2024).
What internet providers are available in 98542?
ZIP code 98542 has strong broadband coverage. Providers include CenturyLink (DSL up to 10 Mbps), T-Mobile (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), TDS Telecom (DSL up to 100 Mbps), ToledoTel (Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Fixed Wireless up to 25 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 98542 in?
ZIP code 98542 is in Lewis County, Washington.
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.