Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
2.9 yrs
At current rates
+33.9% Payback
2.1 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.7 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$920
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
14.6¢/kWh
National avg 16.2¢ | IL=17.2 | TX=14.9 | VA=15.8 | OH=13.8 | DC=18.4
+33.9%
Key driver: AI data center growth is pushing rates up 20-60% in many states
Regional Rate Increases (2020-2025)
Click a state to apply its rate to your scenario.
Sources: CNBC Nov 2025, Yale Climate Connections Jan 2026, PJM/Utility Dive
Payback Timeline — 1 block = 1 year
Base Rate2.9 yrs to break even
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+33.9% Rate2.1 yrs to break even
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Colored blocks = still paying off investment. Green ✓ = investment recovered. Longer bar = longer wait.
Cumulative Net Savings Over Time
Lines crossing $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 14.6 | 16.0 | 17.5 | 18.9 | 20.4 | 21.8 | 23.3 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $87 | $96 | $105 | $114 | $122 | $131 | $140 |
| Payback (Years) | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.9 | 1.8 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.3 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.7 yrs | -0.8 yrs | -1.0 yrs | -1.1 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $624 | $711 | $798 | $886 | $973 | $1,060 | $1,148 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |