Electricity rates in South Carolina

Updated with EIA data for August 2026

Average rate

15.76¢

August 2026

12-month average

15.77¢

US: 18.16¢

Average bill

$226

1,436 kWh / month

National rank

#32

1 = most expensive of 51

In August 2026, the average residential electricity rate in South Carolina was 15.76¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh), 13% lower than the US average of 18.16¢. That makes South Carolina the 32nd most expensive of the 50 states and DC. Prices rose 4.0% from August 2025 (15.16¢).

South Carolina electricity rates over time

South Carolina, cents per kWh US average

Average rate, bill and usage by year

Year	Avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Avg monthly use
2026 (8 mo)	15.90¢	$180	1,132 kWh
2025	15.12¢	$161	1,066 kWh
2024	14.23¢	$150	1,050 kWh
2023	13.68¢	$140	1,022 kWh
2022	13.59¢	$148	1,088 kWh
2021	12.86¢	$139	1,078 kWh
2020	12.78¢	$138	1,081 kWh
2019	12.99¢	$145	1,114 kWh
2018	12.44¢	$144	1,159 kWh
2017	13.02¢	$141	1,082 kWh

Rates are weighted by kWh sold. Bills and usage are averages per residential customer.

Rates by sector (August 2026)

Sector	Rate	A year earlier
Residential	15.76¢	15.16¢
Commercial	11.76¢	11.00¢
Industrial	7.88¢	7.21¢
Transportation	0.00¢	0.00¢
All sectors	12.46¢	11.66¢

How much does electricity cost in South Carolina?

At South Carolina's 12-month average residential rate of 15.77¢ per kWh, here is the energy cost for common monthly usage levels, next to the US average. Fixed customer charges, taxes and fees vary by utility and are not included.

Monthly use	South Carolina	US average
250 kWh	$39.43	$45.40
500 kWh	$78.85	$90.80
750 kWh	$118.28	$136.20
1,000 kWh	$157.70	$181.60
1,500 kWh	$236.55	$272.40
2,000 kWh	$315.40	$363.20

South Carolina electricity prices month by month

Over the last 12 months, the average residential rate ranged from 14.94¢ (December 2025) to 17.06¢ (April 2026), and homes used the most electricity in July 2026 (1,499 kWh on average).

Month	Avg rate	Avg bill	Avg use
August 2026	15.76¢	$226	1,436 kWh
July 2026	15.47¢	$232	1,499 kWh
June 2026	15.55¢	$186	1,195 kWh
May 2026	16.18¢	$148	915 kWh
April 2026	17.06¢	$131	770 kWh
March 2026	16.46¢	$135	821 kWh
February 2026	16.15¢	$183	1,134 kWh
January 2026	15.41¢	$198	1,282 kWh
December 2025	14.94¢	$168	1,121 kWh
November 2025	15.68¢	$129	822 kWh
October 2025	15.82¢	$130	824 kWh
September 2025	15.51¢	$157	1,015 kWh

South Carolina vs neighboring states

South Carolina's 12-month average rate is higher than all of its neighbors.

State	12-mo avg rate	Avg monthly bill	Rank
South Carolina	15.77¢	$169	#27
Georgia	15.17¢	$164	#32
North Carolina	14.79¢	$154	#35

What appliances cost to run in South Carolina

Appliance	Typical wattage	Cost per hour
Space heater	750–1,500 W	$0.12–$0.24
Refrigerator	725 W	$0.11
Clothes dryer	1,800–5,000 W	$0.28–$0.79
Washing machine	350–500 W	$0.06–$0.08
Dishwasher	1,200–2,400 W	$0.19–$0.38
Electric water heater	4,500–5,500 W	$0.71–$0.87
Microwave	750–1,100 W	$0.12–$0.17
Window fan	55–250 W	$0.01–$0.04

All appliance costs · Appliance cost calculator for South Carolina

Can you choose your electricity provider in South Carolina?

In South Carolina, most households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates, so shopping for a different supplier is usually not an option. The best ways to lower your bill are to reduce usage and check whether your utility offers time-of-use or other rate plans.

Solar snapshot

Each kW of solar panels in Charleston produces about 1,454 kWh a year (NREL PVWatts). Sized for an average South Carolina home, a 9.2 kW system would cost about $23,644 before any incentives and pay for itself in about 11.7 years. See the full South Carolina solar estimate.

Guides for South Carolina

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Practical ways to lower your electric bill, from free thermostat and standby-power fixes to LEDs, insulation and rate plans, each backed by DOE, EPA or EIA guidance.

Nov 9, 2026 · 5 min read

Solar

Is Solar Worth It in 2026? What Changed After the Federal Tax Credit Ended

The 25D federal credit ended for systems installed after 2025. Here is what now decides whether solar pays off, and how to estimate your own payback.

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South Carolina electricity calculators

Frequently asked questions

What is the average electricity rate in South Carolina?

The average residential electricity rate in South Carolina was 15.76¢ per kWh in August 2026. Over the past 12 months it averaged 15.77¢ per kWh.

What is the average electric bill in South Carolina?

The average residential customer in South Carolina paid $226 for 1,436 kWh in August 2026, based on EIA revenue, sales and customer counts.

Is electricity in South Carolina more expensive than the national average?

In August 2026, South Carolina's average rate of 15.76¢ was 13% lower than the US average of 18.16¢.

Can I choose my electricity provider in South Carolina?

Generally no. Most South Carolina households buy electricity from their local utility at regulated rates.

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), Form EIA-861M monthly sales and revenue data. Latest month: August 2026. Recent months may be preliminary and revised by EIA. See how we calculate.