Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest in the country, 13% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $64.67 per month.
Per hour
$0.73
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$2.13
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$64.67
397 kWh
Per year
$776
4,763 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $1.06 | $32.33 | $388 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $2.13 | $64.67 | $776 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $4.25 | $129 | $1,553 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a electric water heater in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $2.13 per day, $64.67 per month, or $776 per year.
Is running a electric water heater in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $64.67 per month here versus $74.58 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 16.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 24th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.