This area is served by 38 utility providers across 3 categories. The average residential electricity rate here is 14.2¢/kWh. 70.6% of households use electricity as their primary heating fuel.
Utility rates in ZIP 28531 vs. US average
Typical monthly utility bills in ZIP 28531
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
Water
Internet
Nearby ZIP codes
Frequently asked questions
How do I set up utilities when moving to 28531?
Contact each provider separately before your move-in date. Start with electric (Carteret-Craven El Member Corp) 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 28531 compare to the national average?
Residential electricity in Harkers Island, NC averages 14.2¢/kWh, about 14% 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 28531?
No — electricity in Harkers Island, NC costs about 14% less than the national average. Local rates from NREL (2023); state and US averages from EIA (2024).
What internet providers are available in 28531?
Harkers Island, NC has strong broadband coverage. Providers include AT&T (Fixed Wireless up to 30 Mbps), Brightspeed (DSL up to 100 Mbps), Spectrum (Cable / Fiber up to 1,000 Mbps), T-Mobile (Fixed Wireless up to 25 Mbps), UNITED STATES CELLULAR CORPORATION (Fixed Wireless up to 10 Mbps). Availability varies by street address. Based on FCC Broadband Data Collection filings.
What county is 28531 in?
ZIP code 28531 is in Carteret 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.