This area is served by 31 utility providers across 4 categories. The average residential electricity rate here is 14.0¢/kWh. 100% of households use electricity as their primary heating fuel.
Utility rates in ZIP 27256 vs. US average
Typical monthly utility bills in ZIP 27256
Figures from U.S. Census ACS 5-year estimates, reflecting households that pay utilities separately from rent. In dense urban areas where heat or hot water is often included in rent, these numbers represent the subset of residents who pay directly.
Electric
Natural Gas
Water
Internet
Nearby ZIP codes
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 27256?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (Central Electric Membership Corp. - (NC)) and gas (Public Service Co. Of North Carolina, (877) 776-2427) since those typically need a few business days to activate. Water and sewer are often handled with one call to your local utility. Set up internet last since it may require an installation visit.
How do utility rates in 27256 compare to the national average?
Residential electricity in Gulf, NC averages 14.0¢/kWh, about 15% below the US average of 16.5¢/kWh — but in line with the North Carolina state average of 14.1¢/kWh. Natural gas in North Carolina averages $16.42/Mcf, about 13% above the national average. Actual monthly bills vary by home size, insulation, and season. Local rates from NREL; state and US averages from EIA Form 861 (2024); natural gas prices from EIA Form 176 (2024).
Is electricity expensive in 27256?
No — electricity in Gulf, NC costs about 15% less than the national average. Local rates from NREL (2023); state and US averages from EIA (2024).
What internet providers are available in 27256?
Gulf, NC has strong broadband coverage. Providers include AT&T (Fixed Wireless up to 30 Mbps), Brightspeed (DSL up to 10 Mbps), T-Mobile (Fixed Wireless up to 100 Mbps), UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Fixed Wireless up to 10 Mbps), Verizon (Fixed Wireless up to 50 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 27256 in?
ZIP code 27256 is in Chatham County, North Carolina.
Disclaimer: Provider information is sourced from federal databases including HIFLD, EPA SDWIS, FCC Broadband Data, and EIA-861. Utility cost estimates are from the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Local electric rates are based on 2023 NREL Utility Rate Database data; state and US averages are from EIA Form 861 (2024). Coverage areas are approximate and may not reflect recent changes. Please verify directly with your provider.
Data sources: U.S. Census Bureau, NREL, EIA-861, HIFLD, EPA, FCC. Last updated: May 2026.