Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
1.8 yrs
At current rates
+34.3% Payback
1.4 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.5 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$1,574
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
22.6¢/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 Rate1.8 yrs to break even
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+34.3% Rate1.4 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 $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 22.6 | 24.9 | 27.2 | 29.4 | 31.7 | 33.9 | 36.2 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $136 | $149 | $163 | $177 | $190 | $204 | $217 |
| Payback (Years) | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.2 yrs | -0.3 yrs | -0.4 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.6 yrs | -0.7 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $1,108 | $1,244 | $1,379 | $1,515 | $1,651 | $1,787 | $1,922 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |