Cost to Run a Electric Water Heater in North Carolina
North Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 15.1¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 18th cheapest in the country, 18% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (2.9 hours/day), a electric water heater here costs $59.90 per month.
Per hour
$0.68
at 3,500–5,500 W
Per day
$1.97
2.9 hours/day
Per month
$59.90
397 kWh
Per year
$719
4,763 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (1.45 hrs/day) | $0.99 | $29.95 | $360 |
| Typical (2.9 hrs/day) | $1.97 | $59.90 | $719 |
| Heavy (5.8 hrs/day) | $3.94 | $120 | $1,439 |
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 15.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a electric water heater with typical usage costs about $1.97 per day, $59.90 per month, or $719 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 18% below the U.S. average: $59.90 per month here versus $73.00 nationally.
What does electricity cost in North Carolina right now?
North Carolina residents pay an average of 15.1¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 18th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.