Electricity rates in North Carolina

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

14.95¢

August 2026

12-month average

14.79¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$196

1,310 kWh / month

National rank

#38

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in North Carolina was 14.95¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 18% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes North Carolina the 38th most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 2.5% from August 2025 (14.59¢).

North Carolina electricity rates over time

North Carolina, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	14.94¢	$164	1,096 kWh
2025	14.00¢	$146	1,044 kWh
2024	14.13¢	$143	1,015 kWh
2023	12.93¢	$128	989 kWh
2022	11.62¢	$124	1,072 kWh
2021	11.32¢	$120	1,063 kWh
2020	11.38¢	$118	1,041 kWh
2019	11.42¢	$123	1,079 kWh
2018	11.09¢	$125	1,129 kWh
2017	10.94¢	$114	1,042 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	14.95¢	14.59¢
Commercial	10.73¢	10.02¢
Industrial	8.23¢	7.80¢
Transportation	10.76¢	9.56¢
All sectors	12.34¢	11.70¢

How much does electricity cost in North Carolina?

At North Carolina's 12-month average residential rate of 14.79¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly use	North Carolina	US average
250 kWh	$36.98	$45.40
500 kWh	$73.95	$90.80
750 kWh	$110.93	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$147.90	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$221.85	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$295.80	$363.20

North Carolina electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 13.45¢ (December 2025) to 16.25¢ (April 2026), and homes used the most electricity in January 2026 (1,351 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	14.95¢	$196	1,310 kWh
July 2026	15.16¢	$203	1,338 kWh
June 2026	14.74¢	$166	1,125 kWh
May 2026	15.09¢	$130	864 kWh
April 2026	16.25¢	$123	756 kWh
March 2026	16.00¢	$134	835 kWh
February 2026	14.64¢	$173	1,185 kWh
January 2026	13.68¢	$185	1,351 kWh
December 2025	13.45¢	$161	1,200 kWh
November 2025	14.61¢	$124	849 kWh
October 2025	15.01¢	$119	793 kWh
September 2025	15.08¢	$139	920 kWh

North Carolina vs neighboring states

North Carolina's 12-month average rate is higher than 1 of its 4 neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
North Carolina	14.79¢	$154	#35
Georgia	15.17¢	$164	#32
South Carolina	15.77¢	$169	#27
Tennessee	13.61¢	$161	#44
Virginia	16.64¢	$177	#22

What appliances cost to run in North Carolina

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.11–$0.22
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.11
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.27–$0.74
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.05–$0.07
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.18–$0.35
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.67–$0.81
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.11–$0.16
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.04

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for North Carolina

Can you choose your electricity provider in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, most households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates, so shopping for a different supplier is usually not an option. The best ways to lower your bill are to reduce usage and check whether your utility offers time-of-use or other rate plans.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Charlotte produces about 1,416 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average North Carolina home, a 9.2 kW system would cost about $23,644 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 12.8 years. See the full North Carolina solar estimate.

Guides for North Carolina

Electric Bills

Why Electricity Prices Differ So Much by State

Electricity costs several times more per kWh in some states than others. EIA data shows how fuel mix, grid costs, regulation and climate drive the gap.

Nov 8, 2026 · 5 min read

Saving Energy

How to Lower Your Electric Bill: 12 Practical, Sourced Ways

Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

Nov 9, 2026 · 6 min read

North Carolina electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in North Carolina?

The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina was 14.95¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 14.79¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in North Carolina?

The average residential customer in North Carolina paid $196 for 1,310 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in North Carolina more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, North Carolina's average rate of 14.95¢ was 18% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in North Carolina?

Generally no. Most North Carolina households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.