In July 2026, homes in South Carolina paid an average of 15.47¢ per kWh, the 20th cheapest of the 50 states and DC and 15.5% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢.
That price is up 5.2% from a year earlier.
Over the past 12 months the average home in South Carolina used 1,057 kWh a month, for an average bill of $165 (U.S.: $157).
About electricity in South Carolina
Nuclear plants generate more than half of South Carolina's electricity, one of the highest nuclear shares in the country. Electric cooperatives and a state-owned utility serve a large share of homes alongside investor-owned companies.
- nuclear 54%
- natural gas 22%
- coal 17%
- solar 3%
- hydropower 2%
- other 1%
The Public Service Commission of South Carolina is the state agency that regulates electric utilities in South Carolina.
Average electric bill in South Carolina
Over the last 12 months the average South Carolina home paid $165 a month for electricity, the 13th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 the average bill was $232 for 1,499 kWh.
Over the last 12 months, homes in South Carolina used the most electricity in July, when air conditioning drives usage up: an average of 1,499 kWh and a $232 bill. The lightest month was April, at 770 kWh and $131.
What would I pay?
| Monthly use | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| 500 kWh × 15.47¢ | $77.35 | $928 |
| 1,000 kWh × 15.47¢typical | $154.70 | $1,856 |
| 1,500 kWh × 15.47¢ | $232.05 | $2,785 |
| 2,000 kWh × 15.47¢ | $309.40 | $3,713 |
Estimate your own bill
Cost of electricity in South Carolina by month
Businesses in South Carolina paid 11.61¢ per kWh in July 2026 (the 14th cheapest for business power), and industrial users paid 7.84¢.
Electric companies in South Carolina
29 utilities deliver electricity to homes in South Carolina. The largest is Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc, serving 712,679 homes.
| Utility | Homes served | Avg. home rate |
|---|---|---|
| Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc | 712,679 | 16.41¢ |
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 582,062 | 13.47¢ |
| South Carolina Public Service Authority | 188,962 | 12.91¢ |
| Duke Energy Progress | 143,884 | 14.09¢ |
| Berkeley Electric Coop Inc | 119,545 | 16.32¢ |
| Horry Electric Coop Inc | 91,545 | 13.83¢ |
| Palmetto Electric Coop Inc | 69,848 | 14.39¢ |
| Blue Ridge Electric Coop Inc | 68,647 | 19.82¢ |
| York Electric Coop Inc | 66,369 | 13.68¢ |
| Laurens Electric Coop, Inc | 59,786 | 15.62¢ |
"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 South Carolina?
No. Households in South 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).
South Carolina compared with neighboring states
| State | Price per kWh | Avg. monthly bill (12 mo.) |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 15.16¢ | $152 |
| South Carolina | 15.47¢ | $165 |
| Georgia | 16.27¢ | $162 |
South Carolina electricity FAQ
What is the average electric bill in South Carolina?
The average home in South Carolina paid $165 a month over the last 12 months, using 1,057 kWh. That is the 13th highest of the 50 states and DC. In July 2026 alone, the average bill was $232.
How much does electricity cost per kWh in South Carolina?
Homes paid an average of 15.47¢ per kWh in July 2026, 15.5% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢. Businesses paid 11.61¢ per kWh.
Which month has the highest electric bills in South Carolina?
July, in the last 12 months of data: the average bill reached $232 (1,499 kWh), compared with $131 in April, the lowest month.
Can I choose my electricity provider in South Carolina?
No. Households in South 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 South Carolina?
By number of residential customers in 2025: Dominion Energy South Carolina, Inc (712,679), Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC (582,062), South Carolina Public Service Authority (188,962).
Latest SC 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.