Electricity Cost Calculator

Energy Saving Tips

• Choose energy-efficient appliances: Look for ENERGY STAR ratings — they use 10-50% less energy than standard models.
• Set AC wisely: Each degree lower in summer increases cooling costs by about 3-5%. Set it to 78°F (25.5°C) when home.
• Eliminate standby power: Use power strips to fully disconnect electronics when not in use. Standby power can account for 5-10% of your electric bill.
• Use off-peak rates: If your utility offers time-of-use pricing, run heavy appliances (washer, dryer, dishwasher) during off-peak hours.
• Optimize your fridge: Keep it at 37°F (3°C) and the freezer at 0°F (-18°C). Don't overfill and minimize door opening.
• Switch to LED lighting: LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last 25 times longer.

Understanding Electricity Rates

Electricity rates vary significantly by region, provider, and usage tier:

• US average: ~$0.12/kWh (varies from $0.08 in Louisiana to $0.28+ in Hawaii and California).
• EU average: ~€0.25/kWh (Germany ~€0.35, France ~€0.20).
• Tiered pricing: Many utilities charge higher rates as usage increases (e.g., first 500 kWh at base rate, next tier at +20%).
• Time-of-Use (TOU): Some plans charge different rates for peak (afternoon), mid-peak, and off-peak (night) hours.

Check your latest electricity bill or utility website for your exact rate. This calculator uses the US average of $0.12/kWh as default.

How It Works

Energy (kWh) = Power (W) x Usage Time (hours) / 1000

Cost ($) = Energy (kWh) x Rate ($/kWh)

Example: A 1000W space heater used 8 hours/day at $0.12/kWh costs 1000 x 8 / 1000 = 8 kWh/day, which is 8 x $0.12 = $0.96/day, or about $28.80/month.