North Carolina Electricity Rates and Average Bill
Data through July 2026 (the latest month EIA has published) · Updated October 13, 2026
As of July 2026, the average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 15.16¢/kWh (the 16th-lowest in the U.S.) and the average monthly bill is $202.80, per EIA data. That rate is 3.1¢ below the U.S. average of 18.31¢/kWh.
Rate trend, last three years
View this chart as a table (last 12 months)
| Month | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 2025 | 14.60 | 167.16 | 1145 |
| September 2025 | 15.12 | 138.70 | 917 |
| October 2025 | 15.05 | 118.94 | 790 |
| November 2025 | 14.64 | 124.04 | 847 |
| December 2025 | 13.47 | 161.43 | 1198 |
| January 2026 | 13.68 | 184.86 | 1351 |
| February 2026 | 14.64 | 173.40 | 1185 |
| March 2026 | 16.00 | 133.44 | 834 |
| 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 |
North Carolina vs the U.S. average
| North Carolina | U.S. average | |
|---|---|---|
| Rate (July 2026) | 15.16¢/kWh | 18.31¢/kWh |
| Average monthly bill | $202.80 | $212.44 |
| Average monthly usage | 1338 kWh | 1160 kWh |
| Rate change, 1 year | +13.4% | +4.9% |
| Rate change, 5 years | +33.2% | +32.4% |
North Carolina's average residential rate of 15.16¢/kWh for July 2026 ranks 16th of 51 (1 = lowest). Over the past year the rate moved +13.4% (North Carolina) versus +4.9% nationally; over five years, +33.2% versus +32.4% nationally. Average usage of 1338 kWh/month compares with 1160 kWh nationally, which is why the bill and rate ranks can differ. For how North Carolina's recent increase ranks against every other state (12-month, 3-year and 5-year changes), see electricity rate increases by state.
Largest utilities in North Carolina
Average effective rates and bills for North Carolina's largest utilities, from EIA Form 861-M (July 2026). Or find yours by ZIP code.
| Utility | Rate (¢/kWh) | Avg bill ($/mo) | Avg usage (kWh/mo) | Residential customers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 14.82 | 187.40 | 1,264 | 2,000,177 |
| Duke Energy Progress | 16.49 | 215.13 | 1,305 | 1,412,126 |
| Brunswick Electric Member Corp | 15.43 | 204.09 | 1,322 | 111,344 |
| Virginia Electric & Power Co | 14.74 | 241.32 | 1,637 | 109,437 |
| Jones-Onslow Elec Member Corp | 14.29 | 207.14 | 1,449 | 82,650 |
| Fayetteville Public Works Commission | 12.70 | 158.81 | 1,251 | 75,822 |
| Rutherford Elec Member Corp | 13.31 | 175.85 | 1,322 | 72,450 |
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 15.16¢/kWh is about $151.60. The state's actual average usage is 1338 kWh/month, which is what produces the $202.80 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.