Independent resource. Not affiliated with any utility or energy provider. Data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.Verified July 2026
South Carolina Electricity Cost 2026: 16.18¢/kWh
South Carolina residential electricity rates average 16.18 cents per kWh in 2026, -12.3% vs the 18.44¢ US national average. The state operates a regulated retail market with nuclear/natural gas as the primary generation source.
State Rate
16.18
cents/kWh
Monthly Bill
$140
at 863 kWh
vs National
-12.3%
national avg 18.44¢
Rank (cheapest first)
25/50
YoY change +5.0%
Market Type
Regulated
Supply rate set by state PUC
Primary Generation
Nuclear/Natural Gas
per EIA State Energy Profile
Annual Bill (avg usage)
$1,676
vs national $1,910
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 Profile | Monthly kWh | Monthly Bill | Annual Bill |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apartment | 500 | $81 | $971 |
| Small house | 750 | $121 | $1,456 |
| Average household | 863 | $140 | $1,676 |
| Large house | 1200 | $194 | $2,330 |
| Large house + EV | 1500 | $243 | $2,912 |
Estimates use the South Carolina state-average rate of 16.18¢/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.