(The Center Square) – With diversity in its mix, North Carolina is 28th in energy affordability in the Energy Affordability 2026 report from the American Legislative Exchange Council.
ALEC released its analysis on Wednesday. North Dakota and Louisiana were the leaders in the review of electricity prices and energy affordability indicators is measured for each of the 50 states.
North Carolina was ninth a year ago. The report uses the most recent information available for consistency; this means electricity price data is from 2024, and gasoline and diesel fuel prices are from 2025.
Additionally for context, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, and the prices of fuel have climbed since. Global energy infrastructure has been impacted by the action and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
ALEC says, “North Carolina’s electricity supply is anchored by natural gas and nuclear generation, with additional contributions from coal, solar, and hydroelectric power. As a net importer, the state relies primarily on in-state generation while supplementing supply through regional markets.
“The state maintains a Renewable Portfolio Standard and net metering policies, but does not participate in a cap-and-trade program. In 2023, its RPS was updated to include clean but non-renewable resources such as nuclear and biomass, whereas it previously specified renewable resources. This has helped support a diverse energy portfolio and increase reliability across North Carolina while moderating consumer costs.”
ALEC suggests statutory guidance with priority on affordability and reliability “could help maintain cost stability while supporting continued grid performance.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 11.65. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 134.9 million.
Natural gas (41%), nuclear (32%), coal (13%), solar (9%) and hydroelectric (4%) represent the top generation sources.
The state does not have a cap-and-trade. This means permits are not issued for trade to incentives for emission reductions.
