The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina (NC) is $0.1288 per kWh as of April 2026, according to the US Energy Information Administration (EIA). This is far below the national average of $0.1805/kWh, ranking North Carolina #13 out of 51 (all 50 states plus Washington DC), where #1 is the cheapest and #51 is the most expensive. The average North Carolina household consumes 1,095 kWh per month, resulting in a monthly electric bill of approximately $141 and annual electricity costs of about $1,692.
North Carolina is #2 in the nation for solar capacity. Despite being regulated, it benefits from diverse nuclear, gas, and solar generation.
This comprehensive guide covers North Carolina electricity rates, historical trends, utility providers, bill calculation, solar savings potential, and actionable tips to reduce your electric bill. All rate data is sourced from the US EIA and updated monthly. Use our electricity cost calculator for personalized estimates.
North Carolina residential electricity rates have increased 17% over the past six years. The table below shows the trajectory compared against the national average.
| Year | North Carolina ($/kWh) | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | $0.1097 | $0.1322 | -17% |
| 2022 | $0.1190 | $0.1492 | -20% |
| 2024 | $0.1250 | $0.1680 | -26% |
| Apr 2026 | $0.1288 | $0.1805 | -29% |
North Carolina has a regulated electricity market. The primary providers are: Duke Energy Carolinas, Duke Energy Progress, Dominion Energy NC.
North Carolina generates electricity from: Nuclear 33%, Natural gas 32%, Solar 12%, Coal 11%, Hydroelectric 4%, Other 8%.
Your monthly electric bill = kWh Used × Rate per kWh. The average North Carolina household uses 1,095 kWh/month.
Duke Energy serves most of NC. The state has the second-most utility-scale solar capacity in the nation. Duke offers TOU rates and EV charging programs.
Universal strategies: adjust thermostat 2-3 degrees (saves 5-10% on HVAC), switch to LEDs (see our LED savings calculator), unplug phantom loads (saves $100-200/year), and run major appliances during off-peak hours if your utility offers time-of-use pricing. For larger investments, consider a heat pump, better insulation, or a smart thermostat.
North Carolina receives 4.8 peak sun hours/day. A 6 kW system produces ~8,620 kWh/year, saving ~$1,110/year. With the 30% federal ITC, payback is typically 8-12 years. Use our solar panel calculator and solar ROI calculator for personalized estimates.
| State | Rate ($/kWh) | Avg Bill | Market |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina (NC) | $0.1288 | $141 | Regulated |
| Georgia (GA) | $0.1360 | $163 | Regulated |
| South Carolina (SC) | $0.1388 | $161 | Regulated |
| Tennessee (TN) | $0.1212 | $149 | Regulated |
| Virginia (VA) | $0.1318 | $150 | Regulated |
Data source: US Energy Information Administration (EIA), Electric Power Monthly, April 2026. Rates shown are average residential rates and may differ from your specific utility tariff. Solar estimates assume a 6 kW system with 82% efficiency factor. Always verify current rates with your utility provider.