Electricity rate and appliance costs in South Carolina
Homes in South Carolina pay 15.9 cents per kWh on average, 13% below the U.S. average.
What appliances cost to run in South Carolina
| Appliance | Efficient | Typical | High use | Typical, monthly |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators | $52.95 | $76.32 | $111.14 | $6.36 |
| Mini fridges | $32.75 | $39.11 | $53.27 | $3.26 |
| Freezers | $36.09 | $66.46 | $81.25 | $5.54 |
| Dishwashers | $34.98 | $38.00 | $38.16 | $3.17 |
| Clothes washers | $11.93 | $17.49 | $31.20 | $1.46 |
| Clothes dryers | $39.03 | $96.67 | $96.67 | $8.06 |
| Dehumidifiers | $28.78 | $54.06 | $83.63 | $4.50 |
| Room air conditioners | $59.62 | $84.57 | $143.10 | $7.05 |
| Televisions | $10.35 | $29.27 | $53.68 | $2.44 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average electricity rate in South Carolina?
Homes in South Carolina paid an average of 15.9 cents per kWh from January to August 2026, according to the EIA. In August 2026 alone the average was 15.76 cents.
Is electricity expensive in South Carolina?
South Carolina ranks 26 of 51 (the 50 states plus D.C.), where 1 is the most expensive. Its rate is 13% below the U.S. average of 18.19 cents.
How much does 1,000 kWh cost in South Carolina?
At the state average rate, 1,000 kWh costs about $159.00. Fixed monthly charges from your utility are not included in the per-kWh average in the same way on every bill, so your total can differ.
How we get these numbers: yearly electricity use comes from the ENERGY STAR certified product lists, measured with the federal test procedure. The rate is the average residential price the U.S. Energy Information Administration reports for each state, January to August 2026. Your own bill depends on your utility, your plan and how you use the appliance. See sources.