Cost to Run a LED Light Bulb 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 (5 hours/day), a led light bulb here costs $0.21 per month.
Per hour
0.1¢
at 5–15 W
Per day
0.7¢
5 hours/day
Per month
$0.21
1.4 kWh
Per year
$2.48
16 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (2.5 hrs/day) | 0.3¢ | $0.10 | $1.24 |
| Typical (5 hrs/day) | 0.7¢ | $0.21 | $2.48 |
| Heavy (10 hrs/day) | 1.4¢ | $0.41 | $4.96 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a led light bulb in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 15.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a led light bulb with typical usage costs about 0.7¢ per day, $0.21 per month, or $2.48 per year.
Is running a led light bulb in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 18% below the U.S. average: $0.21 per month here versus $0.25 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.