Charlotte Electricity Rates
ElectricChoice Energy Research · Updated
- The average residential electricity rate in Charlotte is 14.97¢ per kWh, roughly 18% below the national average.
- A typical Charlotte home pays about $150/month for electricity, with summer bills often reaching $190–$220.
- Duke Energy has filed for an 11.9% rate increase starting January 2027. NCUC ruling is expected late 2026.
Electricity Bill Breakdown
Charlotte residents are served by Duke Energy Carolinas under a regulated flat-rate tariff. Over 98% of homes are billed on default Schedule RS at ~14.97¢/kWh all-in, combining a fixed $14 monthly fee, uniform energy charges, and approved riders.
| 14.97¢ | Effective Residential Rate | All-in cost per kilowatt-hour under Duke Energy Carolinas Schedule RS including monthly riders. |
| −18% | Below U.S. National Average | Charlotte residents pay approximately 18% less than the current U.S. benchmark of 18.34¢/kWh. |
| ~$150 | Average Monthly Bill | Typical monthly expenditure for a single-family home using 1,000 kWh of electricity. |
| 2.7M | Customers Served | By Duke Energy Carolinas across central/western NC and upstate SC from Uptown Charlotte HQ. |
Schedule RS — Default Residential Rate Breakdown
Effective · Authorized under NCUC Docket No. E-7, Subs 1276 and 1325
| Bill Component | Description | Rate / Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Customer Charge | Fixed monthly grid connection fee | $14.00 / month |
| Base Energy Charge | Electricity generation & transmission | 12.2603¢ / kWh |
| Riders & Adjustments | Fuel, efficiency, storm & clean energy | ~1.74¢ / kWh |
| Effective All-in Rate | Blended cost for typical 1,000 kWh home | ~14.97¢ / kWh |
What Are Bill Riders?
NCUC-approved surcharges added to your base rate: Fuel Cost Adjustment, Energy Efficiency, Storm Securitization, and CEPS clean energy. These have changed 6 times in 18 months.
Low-Income Discount
SSI recipients who are blind, disabled, or 65+ pay 11.03¢/kWh on the first 350 kWh—saving up to $4.29/month under NCUC authorizations.
No Tiered Penalties
Unlike California’s tiered rates, every kWh costs the same in Charlotte—no surcharge or price jump for heavy summer AC usage.
Rate Plans & Schedules
Duke Energy Carolinas offers four residential rate schedules in Charlotte. Most homes use the default flat rate (Schedule RS), but you can opt into time-of-use, critical peak, or all-electric billing to better match how and when you use electricity.
Available Residential Rate Schedules
All schedules effective January 1, 2026 · NCUC Docket No. E-7, Subs 1276 and 1325
| Rate Schedule | Billing Type | Energy Rate | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schedule RS | Flat Rate (Default) | ~14.97¢/kWh | Standard residential homes |
| Schedule RT | Time-of-Use | 5.39¢–17.12¢/kWh | Off-peak energy shifters |
| Flex Savings (RSTC) | TOU + Critical Peak | 7.44¢–42.77¢/kWh | EV & battery owners |
| Schedule RE | All-Electric | ~14.97¢/kWh | All-electric homes |
Energy rates include base tariff charges. Riders (~1.74¢/kWh) apply to all schedules. Schedule RE mirrors RS pricing in North Carolina. See our EV charging cost calculator to estimate how TOU rates affect home charging.
Time-of-Use Peak Hours by Season
Applies to Schedule RT and Flex Savings (RSTC) — on-peak windows are only 3 hours per weekday
Evening air conditioning peak. Shifting laundry, dishwashers, and pool pumps past 9 PM avoids higher peak rates.
Morning electric heating spike as households wake up. Pre-heating your home before 6 AM helps avoid morning peak rates.
All weekend and holiday hours are 100% off-peak. Overnight hours (1:00–6:00 AM) qualify for deep-discount rates (~5.4¢/kWh).
Rate Trends & Proposed 2027 Increase
Charlotte’s 1,000 kWh bill has risen from $134.78 in November 2024 to $149.69 in March 2026. Duke Energy has filed for an additional 11.9% increase starting January 2027.
Proposed 2027 Rate Increase
Duke Energy has requested an 11.9% residential increase starting Jan 1, 2027, bringing a typical 1,000 kWh bill from ~$145 to $162/month. A secondary $6.34/mo increase is proposed for 2028. NCUC ruling expected late 2026.
Annual rider true-up & pension update
Energy efficiency (DSM) rider update
Fuel cost quarterly adjustment
Federal tax credit (EDIT) true-up
Annual efficiency program revision
Base rate baseline under MYRP
Rate case base tariff adjustment
Seasonal Bills & Generation Mix
Charlotte bills range from $122 in April to $220 in July. This month (September), a typical home pays around $180. Duke Energy Carolinas generates 38% from natural gas, 33% nuclear, and 17% renewables.
12-Month Seasonal Bill Estimate
Modeled for a typical 1,000 kWh home under Piedmont NC heating and cooling degree days
Charlotte bills swing from $122 in April to $220 in July. Extended summer heat and humidity drive heavy air conditioning from June through August, while mild Piedmont winters moderate heating costs.
Duke Energy Carolinas Generation Fleet
Fuel mix powering Charlotte, Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and western NC
Zero-carbon nuclear generation from McGuire (Lake Norman) and Catawba powers one-third of the Charlotte region. Duke Energy targets a 70% carbon cut by 2030 under North Carolina’s Carbon Plan (HB 951).
How Charlotte Rates Compare
Charlotte’s 14.97¢/kWh rate is 18% below the U.S. average of 18.34¢/kWh, comparable to Asheville (14.97¢), and lower than Raleigh (16.12¢ under Duke Energy Progress).
Effective Residential Electricity Rate Comparison
Effective rate per kWh based on benchmark 1,000 kWh residential consumption
Regulated market figures reflect official utility tariffs. Competitive deregulated rates reflect active plan offerings. View our comprehensive 50-state electricity price index or see the full North Carolina electricity rates page for statewide data.
Other Electricity Providers in the Charlotte Metro
Most of Charlotte is served by Duke Energy Carolinas, but surrounding communities may fall under electric cooperatives or municipal utilities with separate rates.
| Provider | Type | Service Area | Approx. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy Carolinas | Investor-Owned (IOU) | Charlotte & Mecklenburg County | ~14.97¢/kWh |
| Union Power Cooperative | Electric Co-op | Union County (Monroe, Waxhaw) | ~10–13¢/kWh |
| EnergyUnited | Electric Co-op | Northern suburbs & Lake Norman | ~12¢/kWh |
| Town of Huntersville | Municipal Utility | Town of Huntersville | ~12¢/kWh |
| York Electric Cooperative | Electric Co-op | Fort Mill & Rock Hill, SC | ~12¢/kWh |
Your provider is determined by your service address — North Carolina is a regulated state with no retail choice. Contact your utility directly to confirm which provider serves your location.
Duke Energy Programs & Rebates
Charlotte residents cannot switch providers, but Duke Energy offers free home energy audits, up to $400 in HVAC rebates, and emergency bill assistance through the Share the Light Fund.
Home Energy Assessment
Duke Energy offers a free online or in-home energy audit. A certified auditor inspects ductwork, attic insulation, and lighting, delivering a prioritized savings checklist and eligibility for immediate equipment discounts.
Smart $aver HVAC Rebates
Receive up to $400 in direct rebates when replacing central air conditioning or upgrading to high-efficiency heat pumps. With Charlotte’s hot summers, upgrading from SEER 13 to SEER 16+ can lower summer cooling bills by 20% to 30%.
Share the Light Fund
Direct emergency bill assistance for qualifying low-income Charlotte households facing crisis. Supported by voluntary customer gifts and 100% Duke Energy matching. Additional assistance is available through Mecklenburg County DSS LIHEAP.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electricity rate in Charlotte, NC?
About 14.97¢/kWh under Duke Energy Carolinas Schedule RS, roughly 18% below the national average of 18.34¢/kWh.
Is North Carolina a deregulated electricity state?
No. North Carolina is fully regulated. Your utility is assigned by address and rates are set by the NCUC. There is no retail choice for residential consumers.
Who is the electric utility for Charlotte?
Duke Energy Carolinas, serving Charlotte and all of Mecklenburg County. Outage line: 1-800-769-3766.
What is the average monthly electric bill in Charlotte?
Typically $135–$150/mo at ~1,000 kWh. Summer bills (Jun–Aug) often reach $190–$220 due to AC.
Are Charlotte electricity rates going up in 2027?
Yes. Duke Energy has requested an 11.9% increase (+$17.22/mo) starting Jan 2027, which would bring a 1,000 kWh bill to ~$162/mo. NCUC ruling expected late 2026.
How do I report a power outage in Charlotte?
Contact Duke Energy immediately at 1-800-769-3766, report online at duke-energy.com/outages, or text OUT to 57801. Duke Energy provides a live outage map with real-time restoration status updates across Mecklenburg County.
What is the difference between Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress?
Duke Energy Carolinas serves Charlotte and western NC (~14.97¢/kWh). Duke Energy Progress serves Raleigh and eastern NC (~16.12¢/kWh). Each has separate rates and NCUC dockets.
Does Duke Energy offer time-of-use rates in Charlotte?
Yes. Duke Energy Carolinas offers Schedule RT (time-of-use with demand charges) and the Flex Savings Option (RSTC) with critical peak pricing. Off-peak rates drop to 7–10¢/kWh, while on-peak hours (6–9 PM weekdays in summer) range from 17–24¢/kWh. On-peak is only 3 hours per weekday; weekends and holidays are always off-peak.
Are there other electricity providers besides Duke Energy in the Charlotte area?
Yes. While most of Charlotte and Mecklenburg County is served by Duke Energy Carolinas, surrounding communities may be served by Union Power Cooperative (~10–13¢/kWh in Union County), EnergyUnited (~12¢/kWh north of Charlotte), the Town of Huntersville municipal utility, or York Electric Cooperative across the SC border. Your provider is determined by your address — there is no retail choice in North Carolina.
How can I lower my Duke Energy bill in Charlotte?
Switch to Schedule RT (time-of-use) and shift heavy usage to off-peak hours (after 9 PM in summer, after 9 AM in winter). Request a free Duke Energy home energy assessment. Upgrade to a SEER 16+ AC unit with up to $400 in Smart $aver rebates. Set your thermostat to 78°F in summer. Use ceiling fans and seal ductwork. A smart thermostat alone can cut cooling costs 10–15%.
Does Charlotte have solar net metering?
Yes. Duke Energy Carolinas offers net energy metering (NEM) for residential solar systems up to 25 kW. Excess generation is credited at the avoided-cost rate, not full retail rate. North Carolina’s Renewable Energy Portfolio Standard (REPS) requires 12.5% renewables by 2025. The federal solar tax credit remains at 30% through 2032.
What is the cheapest electricity rate available in Charlotte?
The cheapest available rate is the off-peak rate under Schedule RT (time-of-use) at approximately 5.39¢/kWh for overnight usage between 1–6 AM. For customers who cannot shift usage, the default Schedule RS flat rate of ~14.97¢/kWh is the standard option. North Carolina does not have retail electricity choice, so you cannot switch providers.
