1. What is Cost Per kWh?

Cost per kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a measure of electricity price that shows how much you pay for each unit of energy consumed. It's calculated by dividing the total cost by the total energy used.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the simple formula:

Where:

• Total Cost — Your electricity bill amount in dollars
• kWh Used — Total kilowatt-hours consumed during the billing period

Explanation: This calculation gives you the actual price you're paying for each unit of electricity, which helps in comparing rates and understanding your energy costs.

3. Importance of Cost Per kWh Calculation

Details: Knowing your cost per kWh helps you compare electricity rates, evaluate energy efficiency improvements, and understand how different appliances affect your bill.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your total electricity bill amount in dollars and the total kWh used from your bill. Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's the average cost per kWh in the US?
A: As of 2023, the average residential electricity rate in the U.S. is about $0.15 per kWh, but this varies significantly by location.

Q2: Why is my cost per kWh different from the advertised rate?
A: Your actual cost may include additional fees, taxes, or tiered pricing that aren't reflected in the base rate.

Q3: How can I reduce my cost per kWh?
A: You can shop for better rates (where deregulated), reduce usage during peak hours, or invest in energy efficiency measures.

Q4: Does cost per kWh vary by time of day?
A: Some utilities have time-of-use rates where electricity costs more during peak demand periods.

Q5: How does this compare to solar panel costs?
A: When evaluating solar, compare your current cost per kWh to the levelized cost of solar energy over the system's lifetime.