Independent rate reference - not affiliated with any utility or energy supplier. Data: EIA Electric Power Monthly, March 2026.Full disclaimer
ElectricityRatePerKWh

Electricity Rate in South Carolina (2026): 16.45c/kWh Average

Residential Rate
16.45¢
per kWh
vs US Avg
-11%
2.11c below
Avg Monthly Bill
$159
1065 kWh
Provider Choice
No
Regulated monopoly

South Carolina Electricity Rate: What You Need to Know

South Carolina electricity averages 16.45 cents per kWh for residential customers as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 2.11c below the US average of 18.56c/kWh. The average monthly bill for South Carolina households is $159 based on typical usage of 1065 kWh.

Generation mix: Natural gas 35%, nuclear 45%, coal 10%, renewables 10%. The fuel mix is a primary driver of electricity rates - states with abundant hydro or nuclear tend to have lower rates, while states dependent on imported petroleum (Hawaii) or natural gas pay more.

Year-over-year change: South Carolina rates rose 7.7% year-over-year as of March 2026. This compares to the US average increase of 8.6% over the same period.

Regulated: You Cannot Switch Electricity Suppliers

Dominion Energy SC / Duke Energy Carolinas / Santee Cooper operates as the regulated utility in South Carolina. Retail electricity choice is not available for residential customers. Options for reducing your bill include: time-of-use rate optimization, energy efficiency upgrades, and rooftop solar.

Your South Carolina Electricity Bill Components

Energy charge (1065 kWh x 16.45c)$175.19
Fixed customer charge (estimated)~$10.00
Estimated monthly total$185.19
All Sectors - South Carolina
Residential16.45c
Commercial11.70c
Industrial7.44c
Dominant Utility
Dominion Energy SC / Duke Energy Carolinas / Santee Cooper
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Adjacent States
North Carolina16.00c
Georgia15.01c
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South Carolina Electricity: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the electricity rate in South Carolina in 2026?+
The average residential electricity rate in South Carolina is 16.45 cents per kWh as of March 2026, according to the EIA Electric Power Monthly. This is 2.11c below the US average of 18.56c/kWh (-11%). The average monthly electricity bill in South Carolina is approximately $159 based on 1065 kWh typical monthly usage.
Can I switch electricity providers in South Carolina?+
No - South Carolina operates a regulated electricity market. Dominion Energy SC / Duke Energy Carolinas / Santee Cooper serves as the regulated monopoly utility. Customers cannot switch electricity generation suppliers. Options for reducing bills include time-of-use rate optimization (where available), energy efficiency upgrades, and solar installation.
What is the average monthly electricity bill in South Carolina?+
The average South Carolina household uses approximately 1065 kWh per month. At 16.45c/kWh plus approximately $10 in fixed charges, the average monthly bill is $159. This varies by season (higher in summer for cooling-dominant states like South Carolina, higher in winter for heating-dominant states).
What is the primary electricity source in South Carolina?+
South Carolina's generation mix is primarily Natural gas 35%, nuclear 45%, coal 10%, renewables 10%. This fuel mix is a key factor in the state's electricity rate - states relying on hydro or nuclear typically have lower rates, while states heavily dependent on natural gas or petroleum (like Hawaii) face higher costs.
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