Energy Cost & Tariff Savings
Estimate savings from TOU tariff load shifting (Peak vs Off-Peak). Enter values for instant results with step-by-step formulas.
Formula
Cost = Σ (kWh_t × Rate_t)
Total cost is the sum of usage in each time period multiplied by that period's rate. Savings come from 'Load Shifting'—moving consumption (kWh) from high-rate periods (Peak) to low-rate periods (Off-Peak).
Worked Examples
Example 1: Flat Rate
Problem:1000 kWh @ $0.15
Solution:$150.00 total bill.
Result:$150.00
Example 2: TOU Optimized
Problem:1000 kWh: 10% Peak ($0.25), 90% Off-Peak ($0.08)
Solution:(100 * 0.25) + (900 * 0.08) = $25 + $72 = $97.00
Result:$97.00 (Save $53)
Example 3: TOU Lazy
Problem:1000 kWh: 50% Peak ($0.25), 50% Off-Peak ($0.08)
Solution:(500 * 0.25) + (500 * 0.08) = $125 + $40 = $165.00
Result:$165.00 (Pay more!)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest energy hogs to shift?
EV Charging, Electric Dryers, Dishwashers, and Pool Pumps. HVAC is hard to shift without discomfort (Pre-cooling).
What is dollar-cost averaging?
Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) means investing a fixed dollar amount on a set schedule regardless of market conditions. When prices fall your fixed amount buys more shares; when prices rise it buys fewer, lowering your average cost over time. DCA eliminates emotional decision-making — research shows most investors who attempt to time the market underperform a simple DCA strategy due to behavioral biases. It is especially effective for volatile assets like equities and index funds.