Compare Electricity Plans
Enter up to 3 electricity plan details to compare total costs side by side. Include the rate per kWh and any fixed monthly fees to see which plan saves you the most.
1 Plan 1
2 Plan 2
3 Plan 3 (optional)
How Electricity Plan Comparison Works
Understanding your total electricity cost requires looking at two components:
Monthly Cost = (Rate per kWh x Monthly Usage) + Fixed Fee
Why Fixed Fees Matter
Many electricity plans include a fixed monthly charge (also called a base charge or service fee) that you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. A plan with a lower per-kWh rate but a higher fixed fee may actually cost more if your usage is low. Conversely, high-usage households benefit more from low per-kWh rates even if the fixed fee is higher.
Understanding Break-Even Points
The break-even point between two plans is the usage level where both plans cost the same. It is calculated by dividing the difference in fixed fees by the difference in per-kWh rates:
Break-Even (kWh) = (Fee B - Fee A) / (Rate A - Rate B)
This only applies when one plan has a higher rate but lower fixed fee than another. If one plan is cheaper on both rate and fee, it always wins.
Tips for Choosing an Electricity Plan
- Check your past bills -- Look at your last 12 months of usage to understand your seasonal patterns. Summer and winter months typically have higher usage.
- Consider contract terms -- Some low-rate plans require long-term contracts with early termination fees. Factor these into your comparison.
- Look at the full rate structure -- Some plans have tiered rates that increase after a certain usage threshold, or time-of-use rates that vary by time of day.
- Factor in renewable energy -- Green energy plans may cost slightly more per kWh but support renewable energy generation in your area.
Average Electricity Rates by State
Residential electricity rates vary widely across the US. Use these as a reference when comparing plans in your area:
Rates shown are approximate averages as of 2024. Actual rates vary by utility provider and plan type. Check your bill or utility website for your exact rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare electricity plans?
To compare electricity plans, look at the total monthly cost including both the per-kWh energy charge and any fixed monthly fees. Multiply your average monthly usage (in kWh) by the rate per kWh, then add any fixed fees. The plan with the lowest total cost for your usage level is the best deal.
What is a fixed monthly fee on an electricity plan?
A fixed monthly fee (also called a base charge, service charge, or customer charge) is a flat amount you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. It typically covers meter reading, billing, and grid maintenance. Fixed fees usually range from $5 to $20 per month.
What is the break-even point between two electricity plans?
The break-even point is the monthly usage (in kWh) where two plans cost the same. Below this usage, the plan with the lower fixed fee is cheaper. Above it, the plan with the lower per-kWh rate is cheaper. Calculate it by dividing the difference in fixed fees by the difference in per-kWh rates.
Should I choose a plan with a lower rate or lower fixed fee?
It depends on your usage. If you use a lot of electricity (above 1000 kWh/month), a lower per-kWh rate usually saves more. If you use little electricity, a plan with a lower fixed fee may be better. Use a comparison calculator to find the total cost at your actual usage level.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average US residential electricity rate is approximately $0.13-0.17 per kWh. Rates vary significantly by state, from around $0.08/kWh in states like Louisiana and Idaho to over $0.30/kWh in Hawaii and parts of New England.
How much electricity does the average US household use?
The average US household uses about 886 kWh per month or roughly 10,632 kWh per year. Usage varies widely by region, home size, and climate. Southern states tend to use more due to air conditioning, while mild-climate states use less.
Privacy & Limitations
- All calculations run entirely in your browser -- nothing is sent to any server.
- Results are estimates and may vary based on actual conditions.
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Electricity Rate Comparison Calculator FAQ
How do I compare electricity plans?
To compare electricity plans, look at the total monthly cost including both the per-kWh energy charge and any fixed monthly fees. Multiply your average monthly usage (in kWh) by the rate per kWh, then add any fixed fees. The plan with the lowest total cost for your usage level is the best deal.
What is a fixed monthly fee on an electricity plan?
A fixed monthly fee (also called a base charge, service charge, or customer charge) is a flat amount you pay regardless of how much electricity you use. It typically covers meter reading, billing, and grid maintenance. Fixed fees usually range from $5 to $20 per month.
What is the break-even point between two electricity plans?
The break-even point is the monthly usage (in kWh) where two plans cost the same. Below this usage, the plan with the lower fixed fee is cheaper. Above it, the plan with the lower per-kWh rate is cheaper. Calculate it by dividing the difference in fixed fees by the difference in per-kWh rates.
Should I choose a plan with a lower rate or lower fixed fee?
It depends on your usage. If you use a lot of electricity (above 1000 kWh/month), a lower per-kWh rate usually saves more. If you use little electricity, a plan with a lower fixed fee may be better. Use a comparison calculator to find the total cost at your actual usage level.
What is the average electricity rate in the US?
The average US residential electricity rate is approximately $0.13-0.17 per kWh. Rates vary significantly by state, from around $0.08/kWh in states like Louisiana and Idaho to over $0.30/kWh in Hawaii and parts of New England.
How much electricity does the average US household use?
The average US household uses about 886 kWh per month or roughly 10,632 kWh per year. Usage varies widely by region, home size, and climate. Southern states tend to use more due to air conditioning, while mild-climate states use less.