Cost to Run a Heat Pump in South Carolina
South Carolina's average residential electricity rate is 16.2¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest in the country, 12% below the U.S. average. At typical usage (8 hours/day), a heat pump here costs $118 per month.
Per hour
$0.49
at 1,000–5,000 W
Per day
$3.89
8 hours/day
Per month
$118
730 kWh
Per year
$1,419
8,760 kWh
By usage level in South Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (4 hrs/day) | $1.94 | $59.10 | $710 |
| Typical (8 hrs/day) | $3.89 | $118 | $1,419 |
| Heavy (16 hrs/day) | $7.78 | $236 | $2,838 |
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 16.2¢/kWh (May 2026), a heat pump with typical usage costs about $3.89 per day, $118 per month, or $1,419 per year.
Is running a heat pump in South Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. South Carolina's rate is about 12% below the U.S. average: $118 per month here versus $134 nationally.
What does electricity cost in South Carolina right now?
South Carolina residents pay an average of 16.2¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 25th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.