Cost to Run a Heat Pump in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 17.1¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest in the country, 9% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a heat pump here costs $125 per month.
Per hour
$0.51
at 1,000–5,000 W
Per day
$4.10
8 hours/day
Per month
$125
730 kWh
Per year
$1,498
8,760 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $2.05 | $62.38 | $749 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $4.10 | $125 | $1,498 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $8.21 | $250 | $2,996 |
South Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a heat pump in South Carolina?
At South Carolina's current average residential rate of 17.1¢/kWh (April 2026), a heat pump with typical usage costs about $4.10 per day, $125 per month, or $1,498 per year.
Is running a heat pump in South Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Carolina's rate is about 9% below the U.S. average: $125 per month here versus $137 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 17.1¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 29th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.