Home Energy Cost Estimator
Example: Monthly electricity use: 900 kWh · Electricity rate: 0.17 $/kWh · Monthly natural gas use: 50 therms · Natural gas rate: 1.4 $/therm
| Total monthly energy cost | $223 |
| Total annual energy cost | $2,676 |
| Monthly electricity portion | $153 |
Worked example
A home using 900 kWh of electricity at $0.17 per kWh spends $153 on power, and 50 therms of gas at $1.40 per therm adds $70, for a combined $223 a month. Over a year that is about $2,676. Splitting the bill this way shows electricity is the larger share here, so efficiency efforts — LEDs, a smart thermostat, appliance upgrades — should target the electric side first.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I find my usage and rates?
Your electric and gas bills list monthly usage in kilowatt-hours and therms, plus the rate you pay per unit. Use a recent bill, or average a few months to smooth out seasonal swings. If you have no gas service, set the gas figures to zero and the tool computes electricity only.
Why combine electricity and gas?
Many efficiency decisions trade one fuel for another — a heat pump shifts heating from gas to electricity, for example. Seeing your total energy cost in one number lets you judge those trade-offs fairly and track whether your whole-home spending is going down, not just one bill.
How do I use this to check for a problem?
Establish your normal monthly figure, then watch for a bill that jumps well above it without a weather reason. A sudden spike can signal a failing appliance, a heating or cooling system running too hard, or a rate change. The baseline here is what makes an anomaly obvious.
Does this include fixed charges and taxes?
This estimate covers the usage-based portion of your bills. Most utilities also add fixed monthly service charges, delivery fees, and taxes. Add those flat amounts to the result for your true all-in bill, but the usage portion is where efficiency upgrades move the needle.