Cost to Run a Refrigerator 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 (24 hours/day (always on)), a refrigerator here costs $16.53 per month.
Per hour
2.3¢
at 100–250 W
Per day
$0.54
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$16.53
109 kWh
Per year
$198
1,314 kWh
By usage level in North Carolina
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | $0.27 | $8.26 | $99.21 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.54 | $16.53 | $198 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $1.09 | $33.05 | $397 |
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 15.1¢/kWh (May 2026), a refrigerator with typical usage costs about $0.54 per day, $16.53 per month, or $198 per year.
Is running a refrigerator in North Carolina more expensive than average?
No — it's cheaper. North Carolina's rate is about 18% below the U.S. average: $16.53 per month here versus $20.14 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.