SC utility bills among highest in US, new report shows. Here’s why and ways to cut costs
South Carolina has among the highest utility bills in the U.S., a new report shows.
According to the report from move.org, the Palmetto State ranks ninth among states with the highest utility bills in 2023. Much of that cost in South Carolina comes from electricity use. However, there are steps residents can take to reduce their monthly energy bills.
Utility bills have risen across the board in the U.S. over the past year. Within the last 12 months, electricity costs jumped 12.9%, according to the U.S. Consumer Price Index. Also, the natural gas price index increased 14.3%, the data shows.
SC utility costs
And yet, even among high nationwide utility bill spending, South Carolina stands out.
South Carolinians spend an average of $418.23 a month on utilities, the report states. South Carolina residents spend an average of $138.16 a month on electricity alone.
“Like a few other states in our top 10, South Carolina has a hot climate that necessitates a lot of air conditioning, which contributes to these hefty bills,” the report states.
Ranking methodology
The report used average electricity consumption statistics and pricing information from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. For natural gas bill costs, the report pulled the average rate per 1,000 cubic feet for 2021 from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and assumed each household used 168 cubic feet a day.
How to save on SC electricity bills
Here are several steps residents can take to potentially lower their electricity bills on their own during the spring and summer, according to Dominion Energy.
- Adjust your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher when temperatures begin to rise. Set it even higher at 80 degrees to 83 degrees while away from home.
- Check air filters monthly and change them when they’re dirty.
- Periodically check home ductwork for leaks and tears.
- Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum of R-28 (12-14 inches), which can help save on heating and cooling costs.
- Caulk, seal and weather strip around all seams, cracks and openings to protect against drafts.
- Set your electric water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit and inspect the unit for leaks periodically.
- Replace traditional incandescent light bulbs with LEDs, which are far more efficient.
- Install a door sweep to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the ground to prevent unconditioned air from entering and conditioned air from leaving your home.
Helpful cost reduction programs
- There are federal tax rebates you can potentially get by installing federally-qualified, energy efficient air conditioners, electric furnaces and water heaters. For details on these programs, click here.
- Weatherization assistance for low-income families, the elderly and people with disabilities with children is available through the Weather Assistance Program. WAP is coordinated through community action agencies that are responsible for each of South Carolina’s 46 counties. For general information, call the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity at 803-734-0662.
- Qualified households can get assistance with utility bills through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The program is administered by the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity in coordination with community action agencies. For general information, contact the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity at 803-734-0662.
Top 10 states with highest average monthly utility bills
- Hawaii: $611.87
- Connecticut: $462.62
- Alabama: $439.16
- Georgia: $438.18
- Arizona: $436.05
- Massachusetts: $433.30
- Rhode Island: $432.18
- New Hampshire: $421.84
- South Carolina: $418.23
- Texas: $415.41
