Electricity Rates in North Carolina

Electricity Rates, Plans & Statistics

Electricity Companies & Statistics in North Carolina

  • Population
    see rank
    10,551,162
  • Total Production
    see rank
    129,805,274 MWh / 12.3 MWh per capita
  • Total Consumption
    see rank
    82,832,254 MWh / 7.85 MWh per capita
  • Total Production from Renewable
    see rank
    18,343,739 MWh / 1.74 MWh per capita
  • CO2 Emissions from Consumption
    see rank
    23,528,395,289 kg / 2,229.93 kg per capita
  • Total Production from Non-Renewable
    see rank
    111,461,762 MWh / 10.56 MWh per capita
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Average Residential Electricity Bills & Rates in North Carolina

North Carolina residential electric rates are highest in January and the highest average bill is in October.

Historical Electricity Rates:

Price Per kWhAverage Bill$0.135/kWh$0.101/kWh$166.68/mo.$84.87/mo.
11th12.25¢Average residential price per kWh in the state of North Carolina
22nd$130.24Average residential monthly electricity bill for North Carolina Residents

North Carolina Electricity Fuel Mix

North Carolina's Electricity Prices and Usage

North Carolina has an average residential electricity rate of 12.25 cents per kilowatt hour. This is 22.05% below the United States average price of 15.72 cents. This ranks North Carolina as the 11th lowest priced state in the nation using average electric rate. The state has over 100 electricity suppliers, but consumers are left with a single supplier choice due to the fact that North Carolina has a regulated electricity market. On average, citizens of North Carolina account for 2,229.93 kilograms of CO2 gases from electricity use for each resident of the state, which is 33rd highest in the US. Coal usage for electricity generation in the state has decreased by 36.65% within the past 12 months. In the state of North Carolina, the usage of renewable fuels for electricity generation has dropped by 4.52% throughout the last 12 months, an unfortunate trend. Consumers in the state have an average monthly residential electric bill of $130.24 per month. The US average monthly bill is $147.64.

Residential Electricity Providers in North Carolina

ProviderService TypeResidential Rate (¢)Residential Average Bill ($)Residential Sales (MWh)Residential Revenues ($)State Production (MWh)
Duke Energy CarolinasBUNDLED11.13107.8621,560,2112,400,085,25450,909,925.01
Duke Energy ProgressBUNDLED13.02130.7615,738,3342,048,619,21651,352,161.75
Energy United Electric Member CorpBUNDLED11.15131.781,651,446184,112,000
Dominion EnergyBUNDLED12.34147.551,534,112189,247,4551,221,828
Union PowerBUNDLED12.18150.881,180,194143,760,000
Brunswick Electric Membership CorporationBUNDLED14.06134.551,092,766153,668,963
Lumbee River EMCBUNDLED11.55158.831,012,883117,016,500
Jones Onslow Electric Membership CorporationBUNDLED12.22128.24970,663118,573,000
Rutherford ElectricBUNDLED12.93143.52921,829119,227,643
Fayetteville Electric CompanyBUNDLED11.28106.82857,48296,713,00041,343

Commercial Electricity Providers in North Carolina

ProviderService TypeCommercial Rate (¢)Commercial Average Bill ($)Commercial Sales (MWh)Commercial Revenues ($)State Production (MWh)
Duke Energy CarolinasBUNDLED8.02522.4824,031,3751,927,603,45250,909,925.01
Duke Energy ProgressBUNDLED9.90496.9213,117,5911,299,109,11451,352,161.75
Dominion EnergyBUNDLED10.08399.63895,17590,225,5301,221,828
Fayetteville Electric CompanyBUNDLED10.68628.43663,15070,850,00041,343
Energy United Electric Member CorpBUNDLED9.68264614,66259,469,000
Greenville UtilitiesBUNDLED9.68631.99602,53958,350,300
City of High Point UtilitiesBUNDLED10.47863.81596,91562,505,500584
Concord UtilitiesBUNDLED9.22597.64378,23234,861,500
Brunswick Electric Membership CorporationBUNDLED11.06303.55370,53540,976,210
City of Gastonia UtilitiesBUNDLED10.74676.27316,77834,027,400

Power Plants in North Carolina

PlantCity/CountyPrimary Fuel TypeProduction (MWh)Emission (KG)Emissions/MWh (KG/MWh)Toxic Chemical ReleaseClosing Date
Mecklenburg County Nuclear 19,280,946
Brunswick County Nuclear 15,649,801
Stokes County Natural Gas 8,989,2135,736,291,144.62638.13
Sherwood H Smith Jr Energy ComplexDuke Energy Progress (100.00%)
Richmond County Natural Gas 8,882,637.013,712,470,987.62417.95
Wake County Nuclear 7,842,461
Lee Combined Cycle PlantDuke Energy Progress (100.00%)
Wayne County Natural Gas 6,629,9322,570,674,668.85387.74
Lake Norman of Catawba CDP Natural Gas 6,347,341.024,488,986,364.57707.22
James E. Rogers Energy ComplexDuke Energy Carolinas (100.00%)
Cleveland County Natural Gas 4,907,3173,023,584,216.6616.14
Rockingham County Natural Gas 4,636,2321,735,798,419.74374.4
Rowan County Natural Gas 4,634,2911,772,781,256.33382.54

Quick Facts

The largest electricity company in the state of North Carolina by number of customers is Duke Energy Carolinas.

North Carolina produces 56.71% more electricity than the state consumes, resulting in the ability to export the excess.

North Carolina has seen a 1.27% curtailment in the use of non-renewable fuels for electricity production over the course of the past 12 months.

Of all of the US States, North Carolina ranks 30th in megawatt hours produced from wind power.

North Carolina is the 12th worst polluting state in the United States based on electricity related emissions, emitting 23,528,395,288.97 kilograms of CO2 emissions.

1.01 megawatt hours of electricity per person are generated using coal. This is 32nd highest in the country.

CountyPopulationProvidersPlantsResidential Rate (¢)Residential Avg. Electric Bill
Alamance County169,185511.51$113.70/mo
Alexander County36,491411.21$119.35/mo
Alleghany County10,910312.60$110.25/mo
Anson County22,3883112.92$139.47/mo
Ashe County26,598112.62$110.28/mo
Avery County17,747411.38$110.01/mo
Beaufort County44,8986213.68$136.56/mo
Bertie County18,105314.83$175.67/mo
Bladen County30,1055512.88$146.27/mo
Brunswick County133,7894113.48$132.44/mo
Buncombe County266,9814313.12$127.80/mo
Burke County87,8297111.95$122.54/mo
Cabarrus County221,2004211.26$117.22/mo
Caldwell County80,705411.84$109.09/mo
Camden County10,353212.80$155.71/mo
Carteret County67,944312.29$125.13/mo
Caswell County22,785412.60$131.95/mo
Catawba County159,8526211.31$116.18/mo
Chatham County75,070513.03$142.15/mo
Cherokee County28,5155112.20$113.39/mo
Chowan County13,796412.98$158.50/mo
Clay County10,997312.31$114.71/mo
Cleveland County98,8986411.52$114.96/mo
Columbus County51,4743113.50$132.50/mo
Craven County101,4055212.89$129.83/mo
Cumberland County333,5825312.64$139.52/mo
Currituck County27,5752212.38$148.31/mo
Dare County36,718313.82$146.01/mo
Davidson County168,0025111.25$120.77/mo
Davie County42,543311.14$119.76/mo
Duplin County49,836512.62$142.61/mo
Durham County320,146511.71$120.63/mo
Edgecombe County49,6098213.25$148.97/mo
Forsyth County380,583411.67$116.97/mo
Franklin County67,5984312.80$133.79/mo
Gaston County226,0977511.75$119.98/mo
Gates County10,584214.04$166.81/mo
Graham County8,089211.13$107.86/mo
Granville County60,854612.62$133.77/mo
Greene County20,524513.05$147.09/mo
Guilford County537,113411.24$108.95/mo
Halifax County49,2918413.49$149.93/mo
Harnett County133,074412.92$144.64/mo
Haywood County61,6954114.07$134.14/mo
Henderson County115,613211.13$107.86/mo
Hertford County22,0102113.72$163.20/mo
Hoke County52,169312.47$141.16/mo
Hyde County4,697214.12$138.15/mo
Iredell County183,965411.13$119.27/mo
Jackson County42,983412.15$116.17/mo
Johnston County211,320912.87$134.13/mo
Jones County9,3264112.65$129.25/mo
Lee County62,676313.07$152.94/mo
Lenoir County55,3447112.74$135.11/mo
Lincoln County85,6705111.86$124.48/mo
Macon County36,532411.84$112.92/mo
Madison County21,269313.15$118.29/mo
Martin County22,213812.88$153.42/mo
McDowell County44,527311.81$121.26/mo
Mecklenburg County1,100,9847111.29$114.32/mo
Mitchell County14,951413.13$120.83/mo
Montgomery County25,8915112.96$134.79/mo
Moore County98,618513.04$138.91/mo
Nash County94,6286212.90$131.97/mo
New Hanover County225,1752113.02$130.76/mo
Northampton County17,9175213.92$164.24/mo
Onslow County201,597312.67$129.68/mo
Orange County147,3764111.85$124.01/mo
Pamlico County12,293313.61$134.48/mo
Pasquotank County40,240312.85$156.64/mo
Pender County59,9644212.88$145.16/mo
Perquimans County13,0023113.02$159.26/mo
Person County38,9993213.14$140.71/mo
Pitt County170,60010112.09$130.83/mo
Polk County19,4133111.92$123.43/mo
Randolph County143,735512.69$129.23/mo
Richmond County43,3013112.92$139.08/mo
Robeson County118,8365112.32$143.82/mo
Rockingham County90,9033311.14$114.19/mo
Rowan County145,7845211.21$115.68/mo
Rutherford County64,5925111.68$118.30/mo
Sampson County59,4684112.84$146.19/mo
Scotland County34,3455112.52$140.99/mo
Stanly County62,1485111.62$125.97/mo
Stokes County44,5884211.82$121.63/mo
Surry County71,439413.07$131.45/mo
Swain County14,166211.13$107.86/mo
Transylvania County32,979312.86$120.18/mo
Tyrrell County3,436112.34$147.55/mo
Union County235,6995111.75$128.30/mo
Vance County42,6504112.86$132.86/mo
Wake County1,112,8837112.80$132.53/mo
Warren County18,8894113.36$142.06/mo
Washington County11,1832113.08$143.63/mo
Watauga County54,077312.51$109.27/mo
Wayne County117,6925112.38$139.33/mo
Wilkes County66,335512.35$121.51/mo
Wilson County78,844712.90$131.78/mo
Yadkin County37,1983113.07$131.60/mo
Yancey County18,357313.15$118.16/mo

Power Plant Fuel Types, Emissions & Pollution Factors

When it comes to electricity generation, North Carolina's top fuel is Natural Gas, accounting for 57,579,436.28 megawatt hours, or 44.36% of production in the state. Nuclear and Solar are the second and third most often used fuel types for electricity generation. Nuclear makes up 42,773,208 megawatt hours (32.95%) of electricity production and Solar makes up 11,128,227.16 megawatt hours (8.57%) of total generation in the state. Approximately 23,528,395,288.97 kilograms of CO2 emissions are released in the state from electricity use. Averaging 2,229.93 kilograms of CO2 emissions per citizen, the state ranks 33rd highest for emissions per capita. North Carolina has 83 power plants, which is the 5th most in the US and 30th most when counting facilities per citizen.

NATURAL GAS
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
Natural Gas
44.36%
NUCLEAR
Nuclear
Nuclear
Nuclear
Nuclear
32.95%
SOLAR
Solar
8.57%
COAL
Coal
8.25%
CONVENTIONAL HYDROELECTRIC
Conventional Hydroelectric
3.76%
OTHER
Other
2.11%

North Carolina Net Metering

Roughly 22.12% of the electricity providers in North Carolina offer net metering to their consumers. North Carolina has good regulations in place for consumers who are interested in taking advantage of net metering with solar panels.

Energy Loss

North Carolina has 46 electricity providers who report energy loss during transmission activities. The average energy loss for these suppliers is 4.11%. With a nationwide average of 2.45%, North Carolina is the 38th best state in the country.

Solar Taxes And Rebates

When it comes to stimulating personal solar, one of the government's easiest methods is tax and rebate related incentives. North Carolina currently offers no state tax credit to consumers who purchase solar panels at their place of residence. Residents in the state enjoy rebates for private solar installs of over $500. This is the highest amount we've seen in the US. North Carolina offers citizens a 100% tax exemption that lasts less than 10 years. Citizens in the state do not have access to a sales tax exemption when installing private solar panels.

State Level Initiatives

Whether a consumer is able to easily find electricity options with renewable fuel sources is at least somewhat determined by initiatives at the state level. Many states require green fuel sources to be a percentage of the fuel used for electricity production by providers in the state. These guidelines are referred to as Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). While further improvements could be made, North Carolina requires for 1-15% of electric output to come from renewable fuels. Furthermore, there are currently no low income solar programs to assist low income families to install solar panels.

Learn about going solar in North Carolina, find out which system size is best for you, compare local installers and see which incentives are available in your area.

FAQ: Common Questions About Electricity in North Carolina

What is a good electricity rate in North Carolina?

The average electricity rate in North Carolina is 12.25 cents per kilowatt hour, so anything below this amount is better than most. The lowest priced provider is currently New River Light & Power, at 9.47 cents per kilowatt hour.

Which electricity company is the largest supplier in North Carolina?

By total revenue, Duke Energy Carolinas is the largest electricity supplier in North Carolina.

Where does North Carolina get its electricity?

The main fuels used for electricity generation in North Carolina are Natural Gas, Nuclear and Solar, accounting for 44.36%, 32.95% and 8.57% respectively.

Does North Carolina have a deregulated electricity market?

North Carolina has a regulated electricity market, rather than a deregulated market. This means that consumers in the state normally have only one or two electricity provider options when it comes time to choose who they purchase electricity from.

What is the cheapest electricity company in North Carolina?

Residential Rate RankProviderResidential Rate (¢)State Customers
1New River Light & Power9.478,942
2Lucama, North Carolina Electric Utility10.131,163
3Concord Utilities10.2133,019
4City of Kings Mountain Utilities10.275,218
5Town of Dallas Utilities10.343,737
6Elizabeth City Power10.6513,003
7Ayden Utilities10.744,219
8Statesville Electric Utility10.7714,036
9Mountain Electric Cooperative10.9019,609
10Greenville Utilities10.9171,120

What is the average electric bill in North Carolina?

In 2023, North Carolina has an average electricity bill of $130, while the United States average is $148.

How many power plants are located within North Carolina?

North Carolina has 83 power plants generating electricity for the state.

What electricity companies offer service in North Carolina?

How many electric companies offer service in North Carolina?

North Carolina has 104 electricity providers offering service in the area.

Matt Hope
Last Reviewed By: Matt Hope
Published: 2023-10-02