Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
2.2 yrs
At current rates
+34.2% Payback
1.6 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.6 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$1,304
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
19.3¢/kWh
National avg 16.2¢ | IL=17.2 | TX=14.9 | VA=15.8 | OH=13.8 | DC=18.4
+34.2%
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 Rate2.2 yrs to break even
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+34.2% Rate1.6 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 $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 19.3 | 21.2 | 23.2 | 25.1 | 27.0 | 29.0 | 30.9 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $116 | $127 | $139 | $151 | $162 | $174 | $185 |
| Payback (Years) | 2.2 | 2.0 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.2 yrs | -0.4 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.6 yrs | -0.7 yrs | -0.8 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $908 | $1,024 | $1,140 | $1,255 | $1,371 | $1,487 | $1,603 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |