The utility that is generally more expensive in the United States is electricity. This is primarily due to the various factors that contribute to the cost of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average residential electricity price in the United States was $0.13 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) in 2020, while the average residential natural gas price was $0.95 per thousand cubic feet (MCF). When converted to a comparable unit, the natural gas price is roughly equivalent to $0.10 per kWh, making electricity the more expensive utility on average.

Several factors contribute to the higher cost of electricity. Firstly, electricity generation in the United States is heavily reliant on fossil fuels, particularly coal and natural gas, which are more expensive to produce and transport than natural gas. Additionally, the infrastructure required for electricity generation, transmission, and distribution is often more complex and costly to maintain than that for natural gas. This includes the construction and maintenance of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks.

Furthermore, electricity prices can be influenced by regional factors, such as the availability of local resources and the cost of labor. For example, regions with abundant natural gas resources may have lower natural gas prices, but higher electricity prices due to the higher cost of generating electricity from coal or other sources. Conversely, areas with a strong renewable energy sector may have lower electricity prices due to the lower cost of generating electricity from wind, solar, or hydroelectric sources.

It is also important to consider the environmental impact of each utility. Electricity generation from fossil fuels contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution, which can lead to additional costs associated with environmental regulation and mitigation. Natural gas, while cleaner than coal, still emits greenhouse gases and can be subject to similar regulatory costs.

In conclusion, electricity is typically the more expensive utility in the United States due to the higher cost of generation, transmission, and distribution, as well as regional factors and environmental considerations. The EIA's data on average residential prices further supports this assertion, with electricity costing approximately $0.13 per kWh compared to natural gas at $0.10 per kWh.