Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
2.1 yrs
At current rates
+34.4% Payback
1.5 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.5 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$1,364
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
20.0¢/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 Rate2.1 yrs to break even
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+34.4% Rate1.5 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 $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 20.0 | 22.0 | 24.0 | 26.0 | 28.0 | 30.0 | 32.0 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $120 | $132 | $144 | $156 | $168 | $180 | $192 |
| Payback (Years) | 2.1 | 1.9 | 1.7 | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.3 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.2 yrs | -0.3 yrs | -0.5 yrs | -0.6 yrs | -0.7 yrs | -0.8 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $951 | $1,071 | $1,191 | $1,311 | $1,431 | $1,551 | $1,671 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |