- Average rate
- 15.47¢
- per kWh, July 2026
- Rank
- 20th
- lowest of 51
- Average bill
- $163.52
- a month, 1,057 kWh
Data: EIA, July 2026. Average residential price and use.
South Carolina rate over the last 12 months
Show the monthly rates
| Month | Cents per kWh |
|---|---|
| August 2025 | 14.98¢ |
| September 2025 | 15.34¢ |
| October 2025 | 15.65¢ |
| November 2025 | 15.53¢ |
| December 2025 | 14.82¢ |
| January 2026 | 15.41¢ |
| February 2026 | 16.15¢ |
| March 2026 | 16.45¢ |
| April 2026 | 17.06¢ |
| May 2026 | 16.18¢ |
| June 2026 | 15.55¢ |
| July 2026 | 15.47¢ |
The rate went from 14.98¢ in August 2025 to 15.47¢ in July 2026. Rates often rise in summer, when demand peaks, so compare the same month year to year.
What appliances cost to run in South Carolina
At 15.47¢ per kWh, with typical wattage and daily use, 30 days a month. Price any appliance in South Carolina.
| Appliance | Per month | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Space heater | $55.69 | 1,500 W, 8 h a day |
| Central air conditioner (3 ton) | $129.95 | 3,500 W, 8 h a day |
| Window air conditioner | $33.42 | 900 W, 8 h a day |
| Refrigerator | $5.57 | 150 W, 8 h a day |
| Electric clothes dryer | $10.44 | 3,000 W, 0.75 h a day |
| Electric water heater | $62.65 | 4,500 W, 3 h a day |
| Dishwasher | $4.18 | 1,200 W, 0.75 h a day |
| TV (55 inch LED) | $2.32 | 100 W, 5 h a day |
| Desktop computer | $5.57 | 150 W, 8 h a day |
| LED bulb (60 W equivalent) | $0.21 | 9 W, 5 h a day |
South Carolina compared with nearby ranks
| Rank | State | Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 18th | South Dakota | 15.37¢ |
| 19th | Arizona | 15.38¢ |
| 20th | South Carolina | 15.47¢ |
| 21st | West Virginia | 15.78¢ |
| 22nd | Texas | 15.88¢ |
About these numbers
- The rate is the EIA's average residential price for South Carolina: all residential revenue divided by kWh sold. It includes delivery charges and fees spread over every kWh.
- Your rate depends on your utility and plan. Divide your bill's total by the kWh used to find yours.
- The average bill uses the average monthly use over the last 12 months at the latest rate. Bills are higher in the months you heat or cool with electricity.
Questions people ask
What is the average electricity rate in South Carolina?
15.47¢ per kWh for homes in July 2026, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That's 16% below the U.S. average of 18.31¢ and the 20th lowest of the 50 states and DC.
What is the average electric bill in South Carolina?
About $163.52 a month: the average South Carolina home uses 1,057 kWh a month (12-month average), at 15.47¢ per kWh. The U.S. average is about $159.30.
How much does it cost to run a space heater in South Carolina?
A 1,500 W space heater costs about $0.23 an hour in South Carolina, or $55.69 a month if it runs 8 hours a day.