27704 Electric Rates

💡 13.42¢/kWh
👥 41,346
13.42¢per kWh19.5% below US avg

ZIP code 27704 in Durham, NC has a residential electricity rate of 13.42¢/kWh as of 2024, which is 19.5% lower than the national average of 16.68¢/kWh and 3.8% above the NC state average of 12.93¢/kWh.

These competitive rates benefit from NC's efficient energy infrastructure, access to lower-cost generation sources, and favorable regulatory environment. Residents enjoy significant savings compared to high-cost states.

Monthly Bill Estimates

Small (500 kWh)$67
Average (900 kWh)$121
Large (1,400 kWh)$188
Primary Provider
Wake Electric Membership Corp
Regulated market - Single utility serves this area
Population: 41,346

ZIP Code 27704 Rate Comparison Map

Durham, NC • Compare rates with nearby areas

Rates range from 13.42¢ to 13.42¢ in this area

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Click any ZIP code to view details • Darker colors indicate higher rates • Map data © OpenStreetMap

📊 Comprehensive Rate Analysis for 27704

The electricity market in Durham presents unique characteristics that influence your rates.While 27704 pays more than the NC average, this is often due to localized factors such as transmission infrastructure, urban density, and specific utility operational costs.

Key Market Insights

  • Regional Context: NC ranks among states nationally for residential electricity rates. Your specific ZIP code is slightly higher than the state average.
  • Surprising Comparison: Residents in 27704 pay 20% less than the national average, which means annual savings of $352 compared to the national average.
  • Market Structure: NC operates as a regulated market where Wake Electric Membership Corp is your sole provider, with rates approved by the state utilities commission to balance affordability and reliability.

Rate Trend Analysis

Historical data shows that NC electricity rates have fluctuated over the past decade. The current rate of 13.42¢/kWh represents higher costs compared to the state's trajectory. Looking forward, rates are influenced by factors including renewable energy transitions, infrastructure investments, and natural gas prices.

📊 Rate Comparison

ZIP 27704Current ZIP13.42¢/kWh
13.4¢
Nat'l Avg
NC Average12.93¢/kWh
12.9¢
National Average16.68¢/kWh
16.7¢
Low (≤10¢)
Average (15-20¢)
High (>25¢)
Your ZIP

Quick Summary:

The current ZIP code rate is 13.42¢/kWh, compared to the national average of 16.68¢/kWh.

⚡ Your Electric Company

Wake Electric Membership Corp
Primary Provider
Investor-Owned
13.42¢
per kWh
13.94¢
per kWh
15.54¢
per kWh

NC Residential Electricity Rates 1970-2024

Caption: NC residential electricity rates from 1970-2024 (¢/kWh)

Source: EIA State Energy Data System (SEDS) • Rates shown in cents per kilowatt-hour

What Uses Electricity in Your Home?

Understanding where your electricity goes in Durham

📊

Average electricity usage patterns for your region

Usage varies by season, with peaks during extreme temperatures. Energy-efficient appliances and smart thermostats can reduce consumption.

🌡️

Air Conditioning & Heating

Climate control year-round

35%
≈$37.59/mo
35%
💧

Water Heating

Hot water for showers, dishes, and laundry

16%
≈$17.18/mo
16%
🔌

Appliances

Refrigerator, washer, dryer, dishwasher

15%
≈$16.11/mo
15%
💡

Lighting

Indoor and outdoor lighting

9%
≈$9.67/mo
9%
📺

Electronics

TVs, computers, gaming consoles

10%
≈$10.74/mo
10%

Other

Miscellaneous devices

10%
≈$10.74/mo
10%

Estimated Monthly Total

Based on 800 kWh at 13.42¢/kWh

$107.40

* Usage percentages are estimates based on EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) data for the South Census Region. Actual usage varies by household.

Quick Ways to Reduce Usage

Use programmable thermostat
Switch to LED light bulbs (75% savings)
Run appliances during off-peak hours
Seal drafts around windows and doors

💰 Save Money Tips

1
Shop Around
Look into solar or efficiency programs
2
Smart Thermostat
Save 10-23% on heating/cooling costs
3
LED Bulbs
Use 80% less energy, last 25x longer
4
Solar Panels
Reduce bills with federal tax credits

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average electricity rate in ZIP code 27704?

The average residential electricity rate in ZIP code 27704 is 13.42¢ per kilowatt-hour (kWh) as of 2025. This rate is 19.5% lower than the national average of 16.68¢/kWh and is provided primarily by Wake Electric Membership Corp.

Who is the electric company for 27704?

Wake Electric Membership Corp is the primary electricity provider for ZIP code 27704. This investor-owned utility serves the area with a residential rate of 13.42¢/kWh. Additionally, 3 other utilities may serve portions of this ZIP code.

What is the average monthly electric bill in 27704?

The average monthly electric bill in ZIP code 27704 is approximately $120.82, based on the average residential rate of 13.42¢/kWh and typical household usage of 900 kWh per month. Bills can range from $67.12 for smaller homes (500 kWh) to $201.37 for larger homes (1,500 kWh). Actual bills will vary based on usage, season, and additional fees.

Is 27704 in a deregulated electricity area?

No, ZIP code 27704 is not in a deregulated electricity area. NC has a regulated electricity market, which means Wake Electric Membership Corp is your designated electricity provider. Rates are set by the state's public utilities commission to ensure fair pricing and reliable service.

How does 27704 compare to other ZIP codes in NC?

ZIP code 27704 has an electricity rate of 13.42¢/kWh, while the NC state average is 12.93¢/kWh — making the state average 3.8% cheaper than this ZIP. This ZIP code's rates are higher than the state average, which may be due to local infrastructure costs, transmission distances, or utility-specific factors. Compare with nearby ZIP codes to find potential savings in your area.

When will 2025 electricity rates be available?

2025 electricity rates for ZIP code 27704 will be available in December 2026 when the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) publishes its annual Form 861 report. The EIA collects data from all U.S. electric utilities and releases the complete dataset approximately 12 months after the reporting year. ElectricityExplorer updates all rates within 48 hours of each new EIA release. The current data shown reflects 2024 rates, which is the most recent complete annual data available.

📊Data Sources & Update Schedule

Current Data Version: 2024 Annual Data (Released December 2025)

Data SourceCoverage PeriodNext Update Expected
EIA Form 8612024 ratesDecember 2026 (2025 data)
NREL Utility Rates2024 ratesQ1 2026
SEDS Historical1970-2024December 2026

How We Calculate Rates

Residential electricity rates are calculated from EIA Form 861 data using the formula:

Total Revenue ÷ Total Sales (MWh) = Average Rate per kWh

Why 2024 Data in 2026?

The EIA publishes annual electricity data approximately 12 months after the reporting year ends. The most current complete dataset available is 2024, released in December 2025. We update our database within 48 hours of each new EIA release.

Looking for 2025, 2026, or 2027 rates?

2025 electricity rates for ZIP code 27704: Will be available in December 2026 when the EIA releases the 2025 annual report.

2026 electricity rates for ZIP code 27704: Expected in December 2027 following the standard 12-month reporting cycle.

2027 electricity rates for ZIP code 27704: Projected release in December 2028 based on historical EIA publication patterns.

📊 Historical Data Available:

We currently have complete residential electricity rate data from 1970 through 2024 for all US ZIP codes, cities, and states.

Data accuracy verified through multiple sources • Updated within 48 hours of new releases