Typical US household monthly bill
A family uses 1,200 kWh in a month and pays $0.18/kWh on their plan.
Result$216.00/month
Multiply usage by rate: 1,200 kWh x $0.18 = $216. Add fixed delivery fees and taxes from your bill for the final total.
Electricity Bill Calculator
Estimate your monthly electricity costs and find savings
Electricity Cost Formulas
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Understanding Your Electricity Bill
Electricity is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A kilowatt-hour is using 1,000 watts for one hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. Your bill shows total kWh used and the rate charged per kWh.
Electricity rates vary significantly by location, from $0.08/kWh in some states to $0.30+/kWh in others. Time-of-use rates may charge more during peak hours. Check your bill for your actual rate.
This calculator helps you understand costs for individual appliances or estimate your total bill. Identifying energy hogs is the first step to reducing your electricity expenses.
Common Appliance Power Usage
Refrigerator
150-400 watts. Runs constantly but cycles on/off. ~$5-15/month.
AC/Heating
1000-5000 watts. Largest energy user in most homes. $50-200+/month.
Water Heater
3000-4500 watts (electric). Second largest user. $20-50/month.
Dryer
2000-5000 watts. 1 hour/load. $0.30-1.00 per load.
Appliance Wattage Reference
| Appliance | Watts | Daily Use | Monthly Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED Light Bulb | 10W | 5 hrs | $0.45 |
| Laptop | 50W | 8 hrs | $3.60 |
| Desktop Computer | 200W | 8 hrs | $14.40 |
| TV (55") | 100W | 4 hrs | $3.60 |
| Microwave | 1200W | 0.25 hrs | $2.70 |
| Space Heater | 1500W | 8 hrs | $108.00 |
Tips to Lower Your Electricity Bill
Switch to LED Bulbs
LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent. A $3 LED saves $50+ over its lifetime.
Optimize Thermostat
Every degree of AC/heating adjustment saves 3% on bills. Use programmable thermostats.
Eliminate Phantom Loads
Devices on standby still draw power. Use power strips to truly disconnect electronics.
Use Time-of-Use Rates
Run dishwashers, laundry at off-peak times. Can save 20-30% on applicable usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I find my electricity rate?
Check your electricity bill for 'price per kWh' or 'rate.' US average is about $0.12-0.15/kWh, but ranges from $0.08 (Louisiana) to $0.30+ (Hawaii, California). Include delivery charges for true cost.
Why is my bill higher than the calculator estimate?
Bills include fixed charges, delivery fees, taxes, and surcharges beyond usage. Also, you may be underestimating usage hours or missing high-draw appliances like HVAC.
What uses the most electricity in a home?
Typically: HVAC (40-50%), water heater (15-20%), appliances (15%), lighting (10%), electronics (10%). HVAC is the biggest opportunity for savings.
Are smart devices worth it for energy savings?
Smart thermostats typically save 10-15% on heating/cooling. Smart power strips eliminate standby draw. Payback period is usually 1-2 years.
Examples
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is a kilowatt-hour (kWh)?
A kilowatt-hour is the energy used by a 1,000-watt device running for one hour. Ten 100-watt bulbs lit for one hour equal 1 kWh. Utilities bill you for each kWh you consume, so it is the single unit you need to track.
How do I read my electric meter?
For a digital meter, write down the cumulative kWh number, then subtract the reading from your previous bill or check-in to get usage. For a dial meter, read each dial left to right and record the lower number when a pointer sits between two digits. Most utilities now report this automatically through smart meters.
What is the average US residential electricity rate in 2026?
The US residential average is around $0.16/kWh, but state rates range from roughly $0.10/kWh in Louisiana and Idaho to $0.30+/kWh in Hawaii and California. Always use the rate printed on your bill rather than the national average for accurate estimates.
How do peak vs off-peak rates work?
Many utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) plans that charge more during high-demand hours (commonly 4-9 PM weekdays) and less overnight or on weekends. Shifting laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak windows can cut those kWh costs by 20-50%.
How much does it cost to charge an electric vehicle at home?
EVs typically use 30-40 kWh per 100 miles. At $0.16/kWh that is $4.80-$6.40 per 100 miles, or roughly $50-$80/month for a 12,000 mile/year driver. Charging overnight on a TOU plan often reduces that by a third.
What are the easiest ways to lower my bill?
Raise your AC setpoint 2-3 F in summer (or lower heat 2-3 F in winter), replace remaining incandescent bulbs with LEDs, wash clothes in cold water, and unplug or power-strip electronics with standby draw. Combined, these changes commonly trim 10-20% off a typical bill.
Why is my bill higher than my kWh x rate?
Bills bundle delivery charges, customer fees, transmission costs, riders, and taxes on top of the supply rate. Your effective per-kWh cost is usually 20-40% higher than the supply rate shown on rate plans. Check the 'total bill / kWh used' line for your true cost.
Sources
- Average Price of Electricity to Ultimate Customers by End-Use Sector · U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
- ENERGY STAR Product Specifications and Appliance Energy Use · ENERGY STAR (US EPA/DOE)
- Understand Your Power Bill · U.S. Department of Energy
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