North Carolina Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through August 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 31, 2026
As of August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 14.95¢/kWh (the 14th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $195.84, per EIA data. That rate is 3.2¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 15.08 | 138.75 | 920 |
| October 2025 | 15.01 | 118.97 | 793 |
| November 2025 | 14.61 | 124.04 | 849 |
| December 2025 | 13.45 | 161.42 | 1200 |
| January 2026 | 13.68 | 184.84 | 1351 |
| February 2026 | 14.64 | 173.40 | 1185 |
| March 2026 | 16.00 | 133.65 | 835 |
| April 2026 | 16.25 | 122.81 | 756 |
| May 2026 | 15.09 | 130.38 | 864 |
| June 2026 | 14.74 | 165.83 | 1125 |
| July 2026 | 15.16 | 202.80 | 1338 |
| August 2026 | 14.95 | 195.84 | 1310 |
North Carolina vs the U.S. average
| North Carolina | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 14.95¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $195.84 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 1310 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +2.5% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +32.0% | +30.5% |
North Carolina's average residential rate of 14.95¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 14th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +2.5% (North Carolina) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +32.0% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 1310 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how North Carolina's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in North Carolina
Average effective rates and bills for North Carolina's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 14.54 | 173.34 | 1,192 | 2,002,585 |
| Duke Energy Progress | 16.05 | 202.83 | 1,264 | 1,414,566 |
| Brunswick Electric Member Corp | 14.86 | 208.77 | 1,405 | 112,509 |
| Virginia Electric & Power Co | 15.30 | 249.60 | 1,631 | 109,550 |
| Jones-Onslow Elec Member Corp | 14.41 | 200.03 | 1,389 | 82,626 |
| Fayetteville Public Works Commission | 12.60 | 162.74 | 1,291 | 76,193 |
| Rutherford Elec Member Corp | 12.49 | 163.71 | 1,311 | 72,529 |
Average bill = rate × average usage. Utilities with similar rates can show very different average bills because their customers' average usage differs (housing mix, heating fuel, climate).
Estimate a bill at North Carolina rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at North Carolina's average rate of 14.95¢/kWh is about $149.50. The state's actual average usage is 1310 kWh/month, which is what produces the $195.84 average bill. These are average effective rates including all charges; your utility's tariff will differ.
Wondering what's behind rising rates nationally? See Why is my electric bill so high?, our data-led explainer on demand growth, data centers, and grid costs. Also: North Carolina gas prices and why they are what they are, and the cheapest way to heat a home by fuel and state.
Source: EIA retail sales data (residential sector, monthly), published with roughly a two-month lag. Rate = revenue ÷ sales; bill = revenue ÷ customers. We do not project unpublished months. See methodology.