Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
3.2 yrs
At current rates
+34.3% Payback
2.4 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.8 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$812
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
13.2¢/kWh
National avg 16.2¢ | IL=17.2 | TX=14.9 | VA=15.8 | OH=13.8 | DC=18.4
+34.3%
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 Rate3.2 yrs to break even
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+34.3% Rate2.4 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 $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 13.2 | 14.5 | 15.8 | 17.1 | 18.5 | 19.8 | 21.1 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $79 | $87 | $95 | $103 | $111 | $119 | $127 |
| Payback (Years) | 3.2 | 2.9 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.0 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.3 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.7 yrs | -0.9 yrs | -1.1 yrs | -1.2 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $541 | $620 | $699 | $778 | $857 | $936 | $1,015 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |