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ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in North Carolina (2026): 15.09c/kWh Average

The EIA residential electricity price in North Carolina is 15.09 cents per kWh as of May 2026, 3.35c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh. The North Carolina commercial rate is 10.44c/kWh and the industrial rate is 7.78c/kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A).

Residential Rate
15.09¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-18%
3.35c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$145
1034 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

North Carolina Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

North Carolina electricity averages 15.09 cents per kWh for residential customers as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 3.35c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh. The average monthly bill for North Carolina households is $145 based on typical usage of 1034 kWh.

North Carolina is served almost entirely by Duke Energy - either Duke Energy Carolinas or Duke Energy Progress, both subsidiaries of Duke Energy Corporation. North Carolina law does not permit retail choice. The state's 15.09c/kWh average (May 2026) sits below the US average, reflecting the Carolinas' diverse fuel mix (40% natural gas, 35% nuclear, 15% solar, 10% coal). The Vogtle nuclear expansion in neighboring Georgia has not directly affected NC rates. Duke Energy's 2025 rate case approved a 6.0% residential increase for grid modernization, including grid hardening after Hurricane Helene damage in 2024.

Generation mix: Natural gas 40%, nuclear 35%, solar 15%, coal 10%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: North Carolina rates rose 5.4% year-over-year as of May 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 6.2% over the same period.

Regulated: You Cannot Switch Electricity Suppliers

Duke Energy Carolinas / Duke Energy Progress operates as the regulated utility in North Carolina. Retail electricity choice is not available for residential customers. Options for reducing your bill include: time-of-use rate optimization, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

Your North Carolina Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (1034 kWh x 15.09c)$156.03
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$166.03
North Carolina Rate by Sector - May 2026
Residential (US 18.44c)15.09c
Commercial (US 13.54c)10.44c
Industrial (US 8.71c)7.78c
Source: EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A.
Dominant Utility
Duke Energy Carolinas / Duke Energy Progress
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Adjacent States
Virginia17.61c
Tennessee14.47c
South Carolina16.18c
Georgia15.84c
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North Carolina Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in North Carolina in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in North Carolina is 15.09 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 3.35c below the US average of 18.44c/kWh (-18%). The average monthly electricity bill in North Carolina is approximately $145 based on 1034 kWh typical monthly usage.
What is the commercial electricity rate in North Carolina?+
The average commercial electricity rate in North Carolina is 10.44 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly (Table 5.6.A). That compares with the US commercial average of 13.54c/kWh. Commercial rates apply to businesses, offices, schools, and retail. They are usually lower per kWh than residential rates, but a commercial bill can still be much larger because of higher volume and demand charges.
What is the industrial electricity rate in North Carolina?+
The average industrial electricity rate in North Carolina is 7.78 cents per kWh as of May 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly (Table 5.6.A), versus a US industrial average of 8.71c/kWh. Industrial customers such as factories, manufacturers, and large facilities pay the lowest per-kWh price of the three EIA sectors because they buy power at high volume, often at higher voltage, under demand-based rate structures.
Can I switch electricity providers in North Carolina?+
No - North Carolina operates a regulated electricity market. Duke Energy Carolinas / Duke Energy Progress serves as the regulated monopoly utility. Customers cannot switch electricity generation suppliers. Options for reducing bills include time-of-use rate optimization (where available), energy efficiency upgrades, and solar installation.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in North Carolina?+
The average North Carolina household uses approximately 1034 kWh per month. At 15.09c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $145. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like North Carolina, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in North Carolina?+
North Carolina's generation mix is primarily Natural gas 40%, nuclear 35%, solar 15%, coal 10%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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