Understanding electricity costs in North Carolina

Long cooling seasons, humidity control, water heating, and household size can make summer electricity use substantially higher than mild-weather months.

The 15.09¢ figure is a statewide average calculated from residential revenue and sales volume. It does not represent every utility, plan, or billing month. Your own bill is the best source for the rate, fixed customer charge, and any riders.

What can move the bill?

• Usage: Weather, home size, insulation, equipment efficiency, and household schedules can change monthly kWh.
• Rate design: Tiered, seasonal, demand, and time-of-use plans may not behave like one flat rate.
• Non-energy charges: Taxes, fuel adjustments, storm recovery, minimum bills, and local fees can change the final total.

How to use this estimate

Start with 900 kWh to compare the statewide benchmark. Then replace usage with the kWh from a recent bill and replace the rate with your effective energy price. To estimate an effective price, divide the energy-related variable charges by billed kWh; keep fixed customer charges in the separate field.