South 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 South Carolina is 15.76¢/kWh (the 20th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $226.29, per EIA data. That rate is 2.4¢ below the U.S. average of 18.16¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 2025 | 15.51 | 157.44 | 1015 |
| October 2025 | 15.82 | 130.35 | 824 |
| November 2025 | 15.68 | 128.83 | 822 |
| December 2025 | 14.94 | 167.51 | 1121 |
| January 2026 | 15.41 | 197.54 | 1282 |
| February 2026 | 16.15 | 183.11 | 1134 |
| March 2026 | 16.46 | 135.04 | 821 |
| April 2026 | 17.06 | 131.28 | 770 |
| May 2026 | 16.18 | 148.05 | 915 |
| June 2026 | 15.55 | 185.87 | 1195 |
| July 2026 | 15.47 | 232.00 | 1499 |
| August 2026 | 15.76 | 226.29 | 1436 |
South Carolina vs the U.S. average
| South Carolina | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (August 2026) | 15.76¢/kWh | 18.16¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $226.29 | $209.23 |
| Average monthly usage | 1436 kWh | 1152 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +4.0% | +3.4% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +22.8% | +30.5% |
South Carolina's average residential rate of 15.76¢/kWh for August 2026 ranks 20th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +4.0% (South Carolina) versus +3.4% nationally; over five years, +22.8% versus +30.5% nationally. Average usage of 1436 kWh/month compares with 1152 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how South Carolina's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in South Carolina
Average effective rates and bills for South Carolina's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (August 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc | 17.38 | 243.19 | 1,399 | 721,123 |
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 14.57 | 197.02 | 1,352 | 596,321 |
| South Carolina Public Service Authority | 12.46 | 173.51 | 1,392 | 191,121 |
| Duke Energy Progress | 16.03 | 231.65 | 1,445 | 144,744 |
| Berkeley Electric Coop Inc | 15.81 | 239.76 | 1,517 | 122,066 |
| Palmetto Electric Coop Inc | 14.30 | 237.05 | 1,658 | 72,082 |
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 South Carolina rates
Worked example: 1,000 kWh at South Carolina's average rate of 15.76¢/kWh is about $157.60. The state's actual average usage is 1436 kWh/month, which is what produces the $226.29 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: South 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.