How much does electricity cost in North Carolina?
The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 14.94¢ per kilowatt-hour (2026-07-ytd), the 17th-cheapest state average in the U.S. That is 21% below the unweighted average of the 51 state averages (18.88¢/kWh).
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B (2026-09-24). This aggregate rate does not reproduce your utility's fixed charges, tax treatment, tiers or time-of-use schedule.
What is the average electric bill in North Carolina?
EIA reports a $143.50 average monthly residential bill and 1,015 kWh/month in North Carolina for 2024. These are historical statewide averages per residential customer, not a current utility quote.
That consumption corresponds to roughly 33.3 kWh/day, calculated as monthly average × 12 ÷ 366 days in 2024. It is an annual average, not a prediction for a hot summer day or for your household.
The 2026 rate above and the 2024 bill answer different questions. Multiplying the old usage by a newer rate creates a scenario; it does not produce an observed 2026 average bill.
Source: EIA Table 5.a, residential average monthly bills (2024). Published 2025-10-07; checked 2026-09-27.
Estimate your own bill
Use the kWh and billing-day count from your statement. Compare the supply and delivery line items, fixed charges and time-of-use periods with your utility tariff. The statewide rate is an aggregate benchmark and cannot reproduce each household tariff.
Estimate a bill using your monthly kWh · Compare state rates and download the data
Example monthly bills at the North Carolina average rate
Engine-generated energy-portion estimates for three usage levels. Enter your own kWh in the bill estimator for a personalized range.
| Monthly usage | Estimated range | Most likely |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $61.85–$92.03 | $74.70 |
| 1,000 kWh | $123.70–$184.06 | $149.40 |
| 1,500 kWh | $185.55–$276.09 | $224.10 |
What appliances cost to run in North Carolina
Each row prices that appliance's reference scenario at the North Carolina state-average rate through the appliance-energy engine. Open a guide to adjust watts, hours, and usage.
| Appliance | Reference scenario | kWh/month | Estimated/month |
|---|---|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | 8 hours a day with moderate cycling | 504.00 | $75.30 |
| Space heater | 6 hours a day on 20 days in a month | 144.00 | $21.51 |
| Electric water heater | Elements active about 3 hours a day | 405.00 | $60.51 |
| Refrigerator | 150 watts with a 35% compressor duty cycle | 37.80 | $5.65 |
| EV home charging (Level 2) | About 2.5 charging hours a day (~50 miles) | 468.00 | $69.92 |
| Pool pump | 8 hours a day at full draw | 264.00 | $39.44 |
| Electric dryer | 45-minute cycles, twelve times per month | 22.95 | $3.43 |
| Television | 5 hours a day of mixed viewing | 16.50 | $2.47 |
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.B. Data vintage 2026-07-ytd.
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in North Carolina?
Is electricity in North Carolina cheap or expensive compared with other states?
Why is my actual North Carolina bill different from these estimates?
Keep comparing
- South Dakota — next-cheapest state average (14.50¢/kWh)
- New Mexico — next state average up (15.08¢/kWh)
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