In July 2026, homes in North Carolina paid an average of 15.16¢ per kWh, the 16th cheapest of the 50 states and DC and 17.2% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 13.4% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in North Carolina used 1,029 kWh a month, for an average bill of $152 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in North Carolina
North Carolina's electricity comes mainly from natural gas and nuclear power, with coal a distant third. Co-ops and city-owned utilities together serve about a third of homes.
- natural gas 40%
- nuclear 32%
- coal 13%
- solar 9%
- hydropower 3%
- other 2%
The North Carolina Utilities Commission is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in North Carolina.
What drives electricity prices in North Carolina
Natural gas and nuclear power make most of North Carolina's electricity, and the state is one of the leaders in solar. Prices are below the national average, but they have been rising as utilities replace coal plants, expand the grid and recover storm costs.
Most homes are served by Duke Energy, through its Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress companies, whose rates are set by the North Carolina Utilities Commission. Electric cooperatives serve many rural households, and some cities run their own utilities. There is no retail choice.
A state law passed in 2021 directs the move away from coal, and the costs of new plants and lines are added to rates over time. After major hurricanes, such as Helene in 2024, utilities can ask regulators to let them recover repair costs through bills.
Average electric bill in North Carolina
Over the last 12 months the average North Carolina home paid $152 a month for electricity, the 23rd lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $203 for 1,338 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in North Carolina used the most electricity in January, when electric heating drives usage up: an average of 1,351 kWh and a $185 bill. The lightest month was April, at 756 kWh and $123.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 15.16¢ | $75.80 | $910 |
| 1,000 kWh × 15.16¢typical | $151.60 | $1,819 |
| 1,500 kWh × 15.16¢ | $227.40 | $2,729 |
| 2,000 kWh × 15.16¢ | $303.20 | $3,638 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in North Carolina by month
Businesses in North Carolina paid 10.73¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 9th cheapest for business power), and industrial users paid 8.37¢.
Electric companies in North Carolina
54 utilities deliver electricity to homes in North Carolina. The largest is Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC, serving 1,961,108 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 1,961,108 | 13.41¢ |
| Duke Energy Progress | 1,383,941 | 15.19¢ |
| EnergyUnited Elec Member Corp | 124,446 | 11.61¢ |
| Virginia Electric & Power Co | 109,057 | 12.74¢ |
| Brunswick Electric Member Corp | 108,087 | 13.34¢ |
| Union Electric Membership Corp | 86,852 | 13.92¢ |
| Jones-Onslow Elec Member Corp | 81,070 | 13.39¢ |
| Fayetteville Public Works Commission | 75,618 | 12.14¢ |
| Blue Ridge Elec Member Corp | 72,320 | 14.92¢ |
| Rutherford Elec Member Corp | 72,060 | 13.02¢ |
"Avg. home rate" is what each utility's full-service residential customers paid on average in 2025 (revenue ÷ kWh sold). Delivery-only utilities have no full-service rate.
Can you choose your electricity supplier in North Carolina?
No. Households in North Carolina buy electricity from the utility that serves their address. Rates are set by the state utility commission (for investor-owned utilities) or by the utility's own board (for co-ops and city-owned utilities).
North Carolina compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| Tennessee | 13.71¢ | $162 |
| North Carolina | 15.16¢ | $152 |
| South Carolina | 15.47¢ | $165 |
| Georgia | 16.27¢ | $162 |
| Virginia | 17.55¢ | $173 |
North Carolina electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in North Carolina?
The average home in North Carolina paid $152 a month over the last 12 months, using 1,029 kWh. That is the 23rd lowest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $203.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in North Carolina?
Homes paid an average of 15.16¢ per kWh in July 2026, 17.2% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 10.73¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in North Carolina?
January, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $185 (1,351 kWh), compared with $123 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in North Carolina?
No. Households in North Carolina buy electricity from the utility that serves their address, at rates set by regulators or the utility's board.
What are the largest electric companies in North Carolina?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (1,961,108), Duke Energy Progress (1,383,941), EnergyUnited Elec Member Corp (124,446).
Latest NC electric rates, bills and usage: U.S. Energy Information Administration retail sales data (forms EIA-861M and EIA-861), latest month July 2026. Utilities and suppliers: EIA-861 (2025). Bills and usage are revenue and sales divided by customers. Last updated 2026-10-20.