Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified June 2026
North Carolina Electricity Cost 2026: 16.25¢/kWh
North Carolina residential electricity rates average 16.25 cents per kWh in 2026, -13.7% vs the 18.83¢ US national average. The state operates a regulated retail market with nuclear/natural gas as the primary generation source.
State Rate
16.25
cents/kWh
Monthly Bill
$140
at 863 kWh
vs National
-13.7%
national avg 18.83¢
Rank (cheapest first)
24/50
YoY change +11.8%
Market Type
Regulated
Supply rate set by state PUC
Primary Generation
Nuclear/Natural Gas
per EIA State Energy Profile
Annual Bill (avg usage)
$1,683
vs national $1,950
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 | $81 | $975 |
| Small house | 750 | $122 | $1,463 |
| Average household | 863 | $140 | $1,683 |
| Large house | 1200 | $195 | $2,340 |
| Large house + EV | 1500 | $244 | $2,925 |
Estimates use the North Carolina state-average rate of 16.25¢/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.