Electricity Rates in South Carolina (2026)
National average: 16.72¢/kWh · Source: EIA, January 2026
Nuclear Power Anchors South Carolina's Electricity Supply
South Carolina generates a significant portion of its electricity from nuclear power (V.C. Summer and Oconee plants), providing low-marginal-cost baseload generation. Natural gas and coal make up much of the remainder. At 14.98 cents/kWh, rates are slightly below the national average. Duke Energy and Dominion Energy serve most of the state.
The V.C. Summer Nuclear Debacle Still Echoes
South Carolina attempted to build two new nuclear reactors at the V.C. Summer plant, but the project was abandoned in 2017 after billions in cost overruns. Ratepayers bore some of these costs through rate increases, and the financial and political fallout continues to shape energy policy in the state. The existing nuclear plants remain operational and cost-effective.
Calculate Any Appliance Cost in South Carolina
Most Expensive Appliances to Run in South Carolina
Monthly costs at 14.98¢/kWh using typical wattage and hours:
| Appliance | Watts | Hrs/Day | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tankless Water Heater | 27000W | 1h | $121.34 |
| Electric Furnace | 10000W | 8h | $359.52 |
| Electric Car Charger (Level 2) | 7200W | 4h | $129.43 |
| Hot Tub | 6000W | 4h | $107.86 |
| Clothes Dryer | 5000W | 1h | $22.47 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4500W | 3h | $60.67 |
| Garage Workshop Heater | 4000W | 4h | $71.9 |
| Central Air Conditioner | 3500W | 8h | $125.83 |
| Electric Oven | 2500W | 1h | $11.23 |
| Dishwasher | 1800W | 1h | $8.09 |
| Hair Dryer | 1800W | 0.15h | $1.21 |
| Electric Pressure Washer | 1800W | 0.5h | $4.04 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8h | $53.93 |
| Electric Baseboard Heater | 1500W | 8h | $53.93 |
| Infrared Heater | 1500W | 6h | $40.45 |
Tips for Reducing Your Electricity Bill in South Carolina
- South Carolina's hot, humid summers drive heavy AC use. A high-SEER heat pump (16+) is the most cost-effective cooling and heating system for the state's climate.
- Duke Energy and Dominion both offer home energy assessments and rebate programs for efficiency improvements. Check your utility's website for current offerings.
- South Carolina has no state income tax on retirement income, which pairs well with the state's low electricity rates for retirees planning their budgets.
- Coastal areas face higher humidity levels that increase AC workload. A dedicated dehumidifier in your crawl space can reduce HVAC strain and improve comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About South Carolina Electricity
The average South Carolina household pays about $130-$160 per month. The long, hot summer drives high AC consumption from May through September. Winter bills are more moderate. Annual electricity spending is close to the national average.
Yes. South Carolina has good solar potential, especially in the Midlands and Lowcountry. The state offers a solar tax credit (up to 25% of system cost) that stacks with the federal credit. At 14.98 cents/kWh, the per-kWh value of solar generation is moderate. Typical payback periods are 8-12 years.
Compare Neighboring Rates
See how South 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
North Carolina
13.98¢/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.