Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified May 2026
North Carolina Electricity Cost 2026: 12.85¢/kWh
North Carolina residential electricity rates average 12.85 cents per kWh in 2026, -28.8% vs the 18.05¢ US national average. The state operates a regulated retail market with nuclear/natural gas as the primary generation source.
State Rate
12.85
cents/kWh
Monthly Bill
$114
at 886 kWh
vs National
-28.8%
national avg 18.05¢
Rank (cheapest first)
12/50
YoY change +3.4%
Market Type
Regulated
Supply rate set by state PUC
Primary Generation
Nuclear/Natural Gas
per EIA State Energy Profile
Annual Bill (avg usage)
$1,366
vs national $1,919
North Carolina electricity market
Regulated state dominated by Duke Energy (Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress) plus a network of electric membership cooperatives. Generation mix favors nuclear (Catawba, McGuire, Brunswick, Harris) and natural gas, with rapidly growing utility-scale solar.
Where North Carolina residents save
No retail competition. Duke offers an opt-in TOU rate with overnight off-peak windows that suits EV households. North Carolina HEAT and weatherization programs serve low-income customers; the state also offers a residential energy efficiency tax credit.
Primary utilities
- Duke Energy Carolinas
- Duke Energy Progress
- North Carolina Electric Cooperatives
North Carolina bill estimates by usage
| Home Profile | Monthly kWh | Monthly Bill | Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 500 | $64 | $771 |
| Small house | 750 | $96 | $1,157 |
| Average household | 886 | $114 | $1,366 |
| Large house | 1200 | $154 | $1,850 |
| Large house + EV | 1500 | $193 | $2,313 |
Estimates use the North Carolina state-average rate of 12.85¢/kWh from EIA data. Your actual bill includes delivery charges, customer-service fees, and state/local taxes already blended into this retail rate, plus any locality-specific surcharges not captured at the state-average level.