Electricity Rates in North Carolina (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
Duke Energy Sets the Pace for Most of North Carolina
Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress serve the majority of North Carolina's residential customers. As regulated utilities, their rates are set by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. At 13.98 cents/kWh, North Carolina sits slightly below the national average. The generation mix includes nuclear (about 35%, including the McGuire and Harris plants), natural gas (about 35%), and growing solar (about 10%).
North Carolina Is a Surprising Solar Leader
North Carolina ranks among the top 5 states nationally for installed solar capacity, driven by favorable state tax credits and renewable energy mandates. Utility-scale solar farms are common across the Piedmont and eastern plains. This solar growth has helped moderate rate increases and is gradually shifting the state's generation mix away from fossil fuels.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in North Carolina
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in North Carolina
Monthly costs at 13.98¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $113.24 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $335.52 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $120.79 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $100.66 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $20.97 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $56.62 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $67.1 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $117.43 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $10.49 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $7.55 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $1.13 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $3.77 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $50.33 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $50.33 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $37.75 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in North Carolina
- Duke Energy offers time-of-use rate plans in North Carolina. If you can shift heavy usage to off-peak hours (9 PM to 6 AM), you may save 10-20%.
- North Carolina offers a state tax credit for rooftop solar installation, stacking with the federal credit for significant savings on system cost.
- The Piedmont and mountains have meaningful heating seasons. A heat pump is the most efficient electric heating option for North Carolina's moderate winters.
- Duke Energy's Home Energy House Call program provides free in-home energy assessments with personalized recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions About North Carolina Electricity
The average North Carolina household pays about $125-$155 per month. The state has a moderate climate with both meaningful summer cooling and winter heating seasons, so bills are relatively stable year-round compared to states with extreme seasonal peaks.
Yes. North Carolina has good solar potential (especially in the Piedmont and coastal plain), rates that make solar savings meaningful (13.98 cents/kWh), and state tax credits that stack with the federal credit. Typical payback periods are 7-10 years. The state's growing solar industry also means competitive installer pricing.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how North Carolina compares to other states in the Southeast region:
Alabama
14.82¢/kWh
Florida
15.63¢/kWh
Georgia
14.12¢/kWh
Kentucky
12.87¢/kWh
Mississippi
13.76¢/kWh
South Carolina
14.98¢/kWh
Tennessee
12.87¢/kWh
Virginia
15.34¢/kWh
West Virginia
13.12¢/kWh
Electricity rate data sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), average residential retail price, last updated January 2026. Your actual rate depends on your utility, plan, and usage tier. See our full disclaimer.