Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified June 2026

South Carolina Electricity Cost 2026: 17.06¢/kWh

South Carolina residential electricity rates average 17.06 cents per kWh in 2026, -9.4% 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

17.06

cents/kWh

Monthly Bill

$147

at 863 kWh

vs National

-9.4%

national avg 18.83¢

Rank (cheapest first)

29/50

YoY change +7.6%

Market Type

Regulated

Supply rate set by state PUC

Primary Generation

Nuclear/Natural Gas

per EIA State Energy Profile

Annual Bill (avg usage)

$1,767

vs national $1,950

South Carolina electricity market

Regulated state served by Duke Energy Carolinas, Dominion Energy South Carolina, and Santee Cooper (the state-owned utility) plus a network of cooperatives. Generation mix is nuclear (Catawba, V.C. Summer) and natural gas, with growing solar.

Where South Carolina residents save

No retail competition. Duke and Dominion offer optional TOU rates. South Carolina Energy Office administers weatherization assistance.

Primary utilities

  • Duke Energy Carolinas
  • Dominion Energy South Carolina
  • Santee Cooper

South Carolina bill estimates by usage

Home ProfileMonthly kWhMonthly BillAnnual Bill
Apartment500$85$1,024
Small house750$128$1,535
Average household863$147$1,767
Large house1200$205$2,457
Large house + EV1500$256$3,071

Estimates use the South Carolina state-average rate of 17.06¢/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.

Related

South Carolina electricity cost FAQ

What is the average residential electricity price in South Carolina in 2026?
The average residential electricity price in South Carolina is 17.06 cents per kWh in 2026, 9.4 percent below the 18.83 cent US average. Figure from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA Electric Power Monthly, April 2026).
What is the average monthly electric bill in South Carolina?
At the US-average household usage of 863 kWh per month, a South Carolina electric bill comes to about $147 per month ($1,767 per year) at the 17.06 cent state-average rate. Your bill scales with usage: a 500 kWh apartment runs about $85 and a 1,200 kWh large home about $205.
Can I choose my electricity supplier in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina is a regulated market: the supply rate is set by the state public utility commission and you cannot switch to a competing supplier. Savings come from usage reduction, time-of-use plans where offered, and efficiency upgrades rather than supplier shopping.
National context. US average residential rate 2026: 18.83¢/kWh. Cheapest state: North Dakota at 12.35¢. Most expensive: Hawaii at 46.62¢. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration. See /methodology for sourcing and limitations.

Updated 2026-06-10