North Carolina Electricity Rates (2026)
14.0¢/kWhstate average
13.5% below national averageUtilities in North Carolina
Rate Outlook for North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is currently 14.0 cents/kWh. Under EIA's reference scenario, rates are projected to reach 16.6 cents/kWh by 2031 and 18.8 cents/kWh by 2036, a 34.1% change. Under the high oil price scenario, rates could reach 19.6 cents/kWh.
EIA projections for North Carolina vs. actual observed rates
Projected residential electricity rates for North Carolina (next 10 years)
| Year | Reference (¢/kWh) | High Price | Low Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 15.5 | 15.7 | 15.4 |
| 2027 | 15.0 | 15.2 | 15.0 |
| 2028 | 15.2 | 15.3 | 15.3 |
| 2029 | 15.6 | 15.7 | 15.7 |
| 2030 | 16.0 | 16.2 | 16.1 |
| 2031 | 16.6 | 16.8 | 16.8 |
| 2032 | 17.0 | 17.5 | 17.3 |
| 2033 | 17.7 | 18.2 | 17.8 |
| 2034 | 18.2 | 18.7 | 18.2 |
| 2035 | 18.6 | 19.2 | 18.5 |
| 2036 | 18.8 | 19.6 | 18.8 |
Data Sources: U.S. Energy Information Administration — Annual Energy Outlook (AEO2010, AEO2015, AEO2020, AEO2025) and Monthly Energy Review.
Methodology: State-level projections are derived by applying national rate trends from EIA's Annual Energy Outlook to North Carolina's current observed rate. EIA does not publish state-level projections.
Freshness: This data is checked weekly against EIA's open data APIs. The Monthly Energy Review updates monthly with observed rates. The Annual Energy Outlook publishes new projections annually.