Electricity Usage & Cost Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kWh mean on my bill?

kWh stands for kilowatt-hour - the energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour. Your utility charges a rate per kWh consumed during the billing period.

How do I find my exact electricity rate?

Look for the 'energy charge' or 'distribution charge' line on your bill. Some bills separate supply and delivery - add them for the effective rate per kWh.

Why do my projected annual costs seem high?

The annual figure assumes the same usage pattern year-round. Seasonal appliances like AC or heating run for only part of the year, so the true annual cost of those items is lower.

What is the national average electricity rate?

The US residential average is approximately $0.16/kWh as of 2025, but it ranges from under $0.10 in states like Louisiana to over $0.30 in Hawaii and California.

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Estimates for informational purposes only.

Important Disclaimer: Estimates for informational purposes only.

This calculator provides estimates for informational purposes only. Results are based on assumptions and may not reflect actual outcomes. Consult qualified professionals in relevant fields before making important decisions based on these results.

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How It Works

Choose a calculation mode based on what you know. By Appliance converts wattage and usage time directly to kWh and cost. By kWh takes a known energy amount and prices it at your rate. By Bill works backwards: given a monthly dollar total and a rate, it reveals how many kWh you used.

In all modes, cost = kWh × rate. Annual figures project the period you entered to a full year. The calculator also shows cost per kWh as a quick sanity check against your bill.

How to Read Your Electric Meter

Smart meters display a digital kWh reading that accumulates by billing cycle. To measure a specific appliance, read the meter before you turn it on, run it for a set time, read again, and subtract. The difference is the kWh used in that period.

Older analog dial meters read left-to-right (the rightmost dial is single kWh). Your utility's app or online portal typically shows daily and hourly usage breakdowns if you have a smart meter - a powerful tool for pinpointing what drives your bill.

Understanding Time-of-Use Rates

Many utilities now offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing where electricity costs more during peak hours - typically weekday afternoons from 4 to 9 PM - and less at off-peak times such as nights and weekends. If you have TOU pricing, enter the rate that applies to the period you are measuring.

Shifting dishwashers, EV charging, and laundry to off-peak hours can cut those appliances' costs by 30-60%. Pre-cooling your home before peak hours and letting it coast through the expensive period is another effective strategy.

How to Reduce Your Electric Bill

Switch all lighting to LED - typically saves $75-$150 per year in a typical home.

Raise the AC thermostat by 2 degrees in summer and lower heat by 2 degrees in winter - saves about 5% per degree.

Seal air leaks around windows and doors - heating and cooling account for about 50% of the average bill.

Use a smart power strip for entertainment centers to cut standby (phantom) load.

An ENERGY STAR heat pump water heater uses about 70% less energy than a standard electric resistance heater.

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