Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
2.3 yrs
At current rates
+34.4% Payback
1.7 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.6 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$1,214
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
18.2¢/kWh
National avg 16.2¢ | IL=17.2 | TX=14.9 | VA=15.8 | OH=13.8 | DC=18.4
+34.4%
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 Rate2.3 yrs to break even
1
2
3
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
+34.4% Rate1.7 yrs to break even
1
2
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Colored blocks = still paying off investment. Green ✓ = investment recovered. Longer bar = longer wait.
Cumulative Net Savings Over Time
Lines crossing $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 18.2 | 20.0 | 21.8 | 23.6 | 25.4 | 27.2 | 29.1 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $109 | $120 | $131 | $142 | $153 | $163 | $174 |
| Payback (Years) | 2.3 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.8 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.2 yrs | -0.4 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.7 yrs | -0.8 yrs | -0.9 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $840 | $949 | $1,058 | $1,166 | $1,275 | $1,384 | $1,493 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |