Electricity rates · July 2026
Electricity rates in North Carolina
Homes in North Carolina paid an average of 15.16¢ per kWh in July 2026 — well below the U.S. average of 18.31¢ and up 13.4% from a year earlier. It ranks #36 of 51 (50 states and D.C.), from most to least expensive.
- Residential price per kWh
- 15.16¢
- U.S. 18.31¢
- Commercial price per kWh
- 10.73¢
- U.S. 14.53¢
- Industrial price per kWh
- 8.37¢
- U.S. 9.77¢
- All sectors price per kWh
- 12.49¢
- U.S. 14.99¢
What electricity costs per month in North Carolina
Cost at the state average residential price, which includes taxes and fees. Your utility's rates may differ. Try your own kWh.
| Monthly use | North Carolina | U.S. average |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh | $76 | $92 |
| 900 kWh | $136 | $165 |
| 1,200 kWh | $182 | $220 |
| 1,500 kWh | $227 | $275 |
North Carolina vs. the South Atlantic region
Residential price per kWh, July 2026, and change from a year earlier.
| Area | Price | vs. year ago |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 15.16¢ | +13.4% |
| South Atlantic average | 16.12¢ | +5.5% |
| District of Columbia | 25.21¢ | +9.4% |
| Maryland | 21.41¢ | +13.7% |
| Delaware | 18.48¢ | +11.5% |
| Virginia | 17.55¢ | +11.2% |
| Georgia | 16.27¢ | +4.6% |
| West Virginia | 15.78¢ | +2.3% |
| South Carolina | 15.47¢ | +5.2% |
| Florida | 15.03¢ | -0.5% |
Could solar cut your North Carolina bill?
At 15.16¢/kWh, our example 7 kW system pays back in 12.9 years and saves $1,535 in year one.
Common questions
What is the average electricity rate in North Carolina?
15.16¢ per kWh for residential customers in July 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That is well below the national average of 18.31¢. Your own rate depends on your utility and plan.
How much does 1,000 kWh of electricity cost in North Carolina?
At the state average of 15.16¢/kWh, 1,000 kWh of energy costs about $152. That average already includes taxes and fees spread across all kWh sold; your own cost depends on your utility's rates and how much you use.
Are electricity prices in North Carolina going up?
The July 2026 average was up 13.4% from the same month a year earlier (13.37¢). Recent EIA months are preliminary and can be revised.
Is solar worth it in North Carolina at these prices?
For our example 7 kW system on a 10,500 kWh/yr home with full net metering, payback in North Carolina is 12.9 years at today's average price. It depends heavily on your rate, roof and how your utility credits exports — see the state solar page for details.
Electricity rates in other states
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A (average price of electricity to ultimate customers), July 2026. Recent months are preliminary. Monthly cost examples multiply the average price by usage; EIA derives the average by dividing utility revenue (including taxes and fees) by kWh sold.
