North Carolina vs South Carolina Electricity Rates (2026)
North Carolina has 2.4% cheaper electricity than South Carolina. North Carolina residents pay 14.09¢/kWh compared to 14.43¢/kWh in South Carolina, saving about $16.00/month on average.
North Carolina
14.09¢
per kWh
$139/mo
South Carolina
14.43¢
per kWh
$155/mo
Detailed Rate Comparison
| Metric | North Carolina | South Carolina | National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Rate | 14.09¢/kWh | 14.43¢/kWh | 17.22¢/kWh |
| Commercial Rate | 10.35¢/kWh | 11.69¢/kWh | - |
| Industrial Rate | 7.22¢/kWh | 6.77¢/kWh | - |
| Avg Monthly Bill | $139 | $155 | $134 |
| Renewable Energy | 13.0% | 9.0% | ~22% |
| Primary Source | Nuclear | Nuclear | - |
Appliance Running Costs: North Carolina vs South Carolina
Monthly cost to run common household appliances in each state.
| Appliance | NC | SC | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Purifier | $5.07 | $5.19 | NC saves $0.12 |
| Blender | $0.17 | $0.17 | NC saves $0.00 |
| CFL Bulb (13W) | $0.44 | $0.45 | NC saves $0.01 |
| Cable / Satellite Box | $3.55 | $3.64 | NC saves $0.09 |
| Ceiling Fan | $3.80 | $3.90 | NC saves $0.09 |
| Central Air Conditioner | $118.36 | $121.21 | NC saves $2.86 |
| Chest Freezer | $8.12 | $8.31 | NC saves $0.20 |
| Clothes Dryer (Electric) | $12.68 | $12.99 | NC saves $0.31 |
| Coffee Maker | $0.95 | $0.97 | NC saves $0.02 |
| Crypto Mining Rig | $152.17 | $155.84 | NC saves $3.67 |
| Dehumidifier | $15.22 | $15.58 | NC saves $0.37 |
| Desktop Computer | $6.76 | $6.93 | NC saves $0.16 |
| Dishwasher | $7.61 | $7.79 | NC saves $0.18 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | $42.27 | $43.29 | NC saves $1.02 |
| Electric Fireplace | $23.67 | $24.24 | NC saves $0.57 |
Bottom Line: North Carolina vs South Carolina
North Carolina is the more affordable state for electricity, with rates 2.4% lower than South Carolina. An average household would save about $192.00/year by living in North Carolina.
North Carolina gets its electricity primarily from Nuclear with 13.0% renewable, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear with 9.0% renewable.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is electricity cheaper in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Electricity is cheaper in North Carolina at 14.09¢/kWh compared to South Carolina at 14.43¢/kWh. That's a 2.4% difference, saving about $16.00/month on an average residential bill.
What is the average electricity bill in North Carolina vs South Carolina?
The average monthly electricity bill is $139 in North Carolina and $155 in South Carolina. The national average is $134.
Which state uses more renewable energy, North Carolina or South Carolina?
North Carolina has a higher renewable energy percentage at 13.0%, compared to 9.0% in South Carolina.
What are the main energy sources in North Carolina and South Carolina?
North Carolina primarily uses Nuclear, while South Carolina relies on Nuclear.
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)