Electricity cost in North Carolina
Short answer
Electricity in North Carolina averages about 13.5¢/kWh. At that rate, running central AC costs about $86/month — below the U.S. average of 16.8¢.
Avg rate
13.5¢/kWh
| Appliance | Cost / month in North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Central air conditioner | $86 |
| Electric water heater | $49 |
| Refrigerator | $5 |
| Space heater | $31 |
| Electric clothes dryer | $12 |
| EV charger (Level 2) | $89 |
What drives an electric bill in North Carolina
Electricity in North Carolina averages about 13.5¢/kWh — about 20% below the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Every kilowatt-hour your home uses is billed at that rate, so North Carolina's rate sets the baseline for what every appliance costs to run.
The bill is dominated by high-wattage, long-running loads. In North Carolina, running central AC works out to about $86/month and an electric water heater around $49/month; electric heat and EV charging land in the same tier. Small electronics barely move the needle by comparison — it's the heating, cooling, and water loads that decide a North Carolina bill.
You have two levers. The first is the rate itself — where North Carolina allows supplier or plan choice, shopping it can shave the 13.5¢ baseline. The second is usage: trimming hours on the biggest draws saves far more than unplugging phone chargers. Enter any appliance in the calculator to see its exact cost at North Carolina's rate.
What drives your bill
| Factor | Effect on your bill |
|---|---|
| Electricity rate | North Carolina averages about 13.5¢/kWh (U.S. average 16.8¢) |
| Biggest energy users | Central AC, electric heat, water heating, and EV charging dominate the bill |
| Hours of use | More runtime on those big loads is the fastest way a bill climbs |
| Home efficiency | Insulation, sealing, and Energy-Star appliances cut how long everything runs |
| Season & climate | Heating and cooling swings drive bills up in summer and winter peaks |
| Rate plan | Time-of-use plans and, where offered, supplier choice change your effective rate |
How North Carolina compares on rates
| Reference | Average rate |
|---|---|
| U.S. average | 16.8¢/kWh |
| Lowest (Idaho) | 10.5¢/kWh |
| North Carolina | 13.5¢/kWh |
| Highest (Hawaii) | 42¢/kWh |
Cutting your bill in North Carolina
- Focus on the big loads first — in North Carolina, shaving AC, heating, and water-heater runtime saves more than any small gadget.
- North Carolina's 13.5¢/kWh rate is near or below the U.S. average, so aim your savings at the highest-runtime appliances for the biggest dollar impact.
- Check whether North Carolina offers time-of-use plans or supplier choice — shifting heavy use off-peak can lower your effective rate.
- Run each of your real appliances through the calculator at North Carolina's 13.5¢ rate to find where your money actually goes.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in North Carolina?
About 13.5¢/kWh for residential customers — versus the U.S. average of 16.8¢. Your exact rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does an electric water heater cost to run in North Carolina?
About $49 per month at North Carolina's 13.5¢/kWh rate, assuming typical use. Heat-pump water heaters cost far less.
How much does a space heater cost to run in North Carolina?
Around $31 per month if run ~5 hours a day at 13.5¢/kWh. Space heaters are cheap to buy but expensive to run.