- Read recent usage
Use meter or bill quantities for electricity and any separate heating fuel.
- Enter effective rates
Use the price per billed unit, excluding fixed charges where possible.
- Add fixed fees
Combine recurring customer, meter, or service charges.
- Model the season
Increase or decrease variable usage cost to represent expected seasonal conditions.
- Inspect each subtotal
Use the electricity and fuel outputs to identify the larger cost driver.
Family Energy Calculator
The Family Energy Calculator estimates household electricity and heating-fuel expense from usage, unit rates, fixed charges, and a seasonal adjustment. It keeps electricity and fuel subtotals visible so families can see which component drives the bill.
The estimate is helpful when comparing recent consumption, testing rate changes, or preparing for hotter and colder months. It does not model tiered tariffs unless their effect is already reflected in the average unit rates entered.
Enter your details
Result
—
Estimated monthly energy cost
Adjusted electricity cost—
Adjusted fuel cost—
Annualized at this month’s level—
Monthly cost = [(kWh × Electricity rate) + (Fuel units × Fuel rate)] × (1 + Seasonal adjustment) + Fixed charges
The seasonal percentage applies to usage-based charges, not fixed charges. A negative adjustment can represent a milder period, but it cannot reduce variable cost below zero.
What the result means
The result estimates the energy bill for one month under the entered consumption and rate assumptions.
Taxes, demand charges, tiered pricing, credits, and meter timing may cause the utility bill to differ.
Given: 850 kWh at $0.18, 45 fuel units at $1.35, $28 fixed charges, and a 12% seasonal adjustment.
Calculation: Variable base = $153 + $60.75 = $213.75. Adjusted variable cost = $239.40. Total = $239.40 + $28 = $267.40.
Result: Estimated monthly energy cost is $267.40.
What is a fuel unit?
Use the same unit shown on your bill, such as therms, cubic meters, gallons, or kilograms, and enter its matching price.
Can I enter only electricity?
Yes. Leave fuel use at zero when the home has no separately billed heating fuel.
How do I model a 10% efficiency improvement?
Use a −10% seasonal adjustment for a simple scenario, or reduce the usage inputs directly for a more explicit comparison.
Why are fixed charges not seasonally adjusted?
They usually do not change with consumption; place usage-dependent charges in the applicable unit rate instead.
Is annualized cost a forecast?
It simply multiplies this month’s estimate by 12 and does not capture a full seasonal cycle.