Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, April 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in North Carolina (2026): 13.47c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
13.47¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-24%
4.18c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$150
1112 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

North Carolina Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

North Carolina electricity averages 13.47 cents per kWh for residential customers as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 4.18c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh. The average monthly bill for North Carolina households is $150 based on typical usage of 1112 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. Duke Energy's 13.47c/kWh rate is slightly 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 4.1% year-over-year as of April 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 5.4% 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 (1112 kWh x 13.47c)$149.79
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$159.79
All Sectors - North Carolina
Residential13.47c
Commercial11.23c
Industrial7.14c
Dominant Utility
Duke Energy Carolinas / Duke Energy Progress
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Adjacent States
Virginia14.67c
Tennessee13.14c
South Carolina14.92c
Georgia14.27c
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State pre-selected in our full bill calculator with TOU and commercial modes.

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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 13.47 cents per kWh as of April 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 4.18c below the US average of 17.65c/kWh (-24%). The average monthly electricity bill in North Carolina is approximately $150 based on 1112 kWh typical monthly usage.
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 1112 kWh per month. At 13.47c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $150. 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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