How much does an electric water heater cost to run in South Carolina?
$71 a month
- A day of use
- $2.33
- An hour of running
- $0.78
- A year
- $851.36
5,000 W, 3 hours a day of element heating time (tank type), at South Carolina’s average rate of 15.6¢ per kWh (EIA, June 2026). How we calculate this
Change the watts, hours or rate
What it costs at other usage levels
| Use | A day | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 hour a day | $0.78 | $23.65 | $283.79 |
| 2 hours a day | $1.56 | $47.30 | $567.58 |
| 3 hours a day typical | $2.33 | $70.95 | $851.36 |
| 4 hours a day | $3.11 | $94.60 | $1,135.15 |
| 8 hours a day | $6.22 | $189.19 | $2,270.30 |
| 24 hours a day | $18.66 | $567.58 | $6,810.90 |
Models range from 4,500 W to 5,500 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 5,000 W, the middle of that range.
South Carolina compared with other states
South Carolina’s residential rate is the 21st cheapest of 51 states and DC, 2.8¢ below the US average of 18.3¢ (−15%). South Carolina’s rate is up 0.8¢ from June 2025 (14.8¢, +5.1%).
Ways to spend less
- Turn the tank thermostat down to the lowest setting that still gives comfortable showers.
- Fix dripping hot taps and fit low-flow shower heads.
- Wash clothes in cold water.
- Cut heating time by an hour a day with shorter showers. Saves about $23.65 a month.
Questions
How much does it cost to run an electric water heater per hour?
About $0.78 an hour in South Carolina. An electric water heater at 5,000 W uses 5.00 kWh per hour, and at South Carolina’s average of 15.6¢ per kWh that comes to $0.78.
How much does an electric water heater add to your electric bill?
Used 3 hours a day of element heating time (tank type), about $70.95 a month in South Carolina, or $851.36 a year.
How much does it cost to run an electric water heater 24 hours a day?
Running nonstop, an electric water heater would use 120 kWh a day and cost $18.66 a day, or $567.58 over an average month in South Carolina.
How many watts does an electric water heater use?
Models range from 4,500 W to 5,500 W (Virginia Cooperative Extension). We use 5,000 W, the middle of that range. Check the label on yours: cost scales directly with watts, so a 20% lower wattage means a 20% lower bill.
Why does an electric water heater cost more or less to run in South Carolina than elsewhere?
South Carolina’s residential rate is the 21st cheapest of 51 states and DC, 2.8¢ below the US average of 18.3¢ (−15%). South Carolina’s rate is up 0.8¢ from June 2025 (14.8¢, +5.1%). The appliance uses the same energy everywhere; only the price per kWh changes.
Sources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension: Estimating appliance and home electronic energy use (reproduces U.S. Department of Energy sample wattages)
- Penn State EGEE 102: Typical range of power consumption (wattage)
- U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A: average price of electricity to ultimate customers, residential, June 2026 Figures transcribed from republications of this table on September 26, 2026; pending direct verification from the EIA API.
- Carrier page: June 2026 residential average price, citing EIA Electric Power Monthly Table 5.6.A
Usage assumptions (hours a day, season) are ours and listed on the methodology page. Found an error? Tell us.