How Laurens Electric Coop compares with the utilities next door
| Utility | 2024 ¢/kWh | Customers | Δ vs Laurens Electric Coop, ¢/kWh | $/yr difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Greer Commission of Public Wks | 11.80 | 24,893 | -2.85 | -$308 |
| Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 13.99 | 568,586 | -0.67 | -$72 |
| Laurens Electric Coop, Inc (this page) | 14.66 | 58,438 | — | — |
| Mid-Carolina Electric Coop Inc | 14.88 | 56,463 | +0.22 | +$24 |
| Broad River Electric Coop, Inc | 15.91 | 23,140 | +1.25 | +$135 |
| Newberry Electric Coop, Inc | 16.32 | 12,970 | +1.66 | +$179 |
| Blue Ridge Electric Coop Inc | 18.94 | 67,553 | +4.28 | +$462 |
6 bundled utilities (≥5,000 customers) share at least one county with Laurens Electric Coop. Positive $/yr = that utility's customers pay more than Laurens Electric Coop customers at the same usage. Territories are fixed by address — these gaps measure cost differences between areas, not options you can pick between.
Where Laurens Electric Coop customers pay more (county benchmark)
| County | Cheapest utility in county | Their ¢/kWh | Laurens Electric Coop premium, $/yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Greenville | Greer Commission of Public Wks | 11.80 | +$308 |
| Spartanburg | Greer Commission of Public Wks | 11.80 | +$308 |
| Union | Lockhart Power Co | 13.42 | +$134 |
| Abbeville | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 13.99 | +$72 |
| Anderson | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 13.99 | +$72 |
| Laurens | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 13.99 | +$72 |
| Newberry | Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC | 13.99 | +$72 |
Multiple utilities in one county means adjoining territories, not household choice — you cannot switch wires companies.
Rate trend and size
| Metric | 2023 | 2024 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average price, ¢/kWh | 14.26 | 14.66 | +2.8% |
| Residential customers | 57,401 | 58,438 | +1.8% |
Ownership: Cooperative. Statewide context: South Carolina electricity rates.
Supply vs delivery on a Laurens Electric Coop bill
South Carolina is a regulated retail market — Laurens Electric Coop customers cannot choose a different supplier; rates are set in utility-commission proceedings. Official information: psc.sc.gov.
Counties served (SC, EIA-861 2024)
Abbeville · Anderson · Greenville · Laurens · Newberry · Spartanburg · Union
Head-to-head comparisons
- Duke Energy Carolinas, LLC vs Laurens Electric Coop, Inc
- Blue Ridge Electric Coop Inc vs Laurens Electric Coop, Inc
- Laurens Electric Coop, Inc vs Mid-Carolina Electric Coop Inc
Questions people ask
- Is Laurens Electric Coop, Inc more expensive than other South Carolina utilities?
- Laurens Electric Coop, Inc customers paid an average 14.66 cents/kWh in 2024 — 3% above the South Carolina volume-weighted average of 14.19 cents (EIA-861, bundled residential service).
- Can I switch away from Laurens Electric Coop, Inc?
- No — distribution territory is fixed by address and South Carolina has no residential supplier shopping. Rate changes go through the state utility commission (psc.sc.gov).
- How many customers does Laurens Electric Coop, Inc have?
- 58,438 residential customers in South Carolina in 2024 across 7 counties, per its EIA-861 federal filing. Ownership type: co-op.