Cost to Run a Refrigerator 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a refrigerator here costs $17.84 per month.
Per hour
2.4¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$0.59
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$17.84
109 kWh
Per year
$214
1,314 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.29 | $8.92 | $107 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.59 | $17.84 | $214 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.17 | $35.68 | $428 |
North Carolina vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a refrigerator in North Carolina?
At North Carolina's current average residential rate of 16.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $0.59 per day, $17.84 per month, or $214 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 13% below the U.S. average: $17.84 per month here versus $20.57 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.