Energy Efficiency Payback Calculator
How rising electricity rates — driven by AI data center growth — extend payback periods for energy efficiency investments
Base Payback
3.5 yrs
At current rates
+34.6% Payback
2.6 yrs
With rate increase
Payback Shift
-0.9 yrs
Faster payback
Lifetime Net Savings
$704
Investment recovers
Select Your Scenario
Ecobee/Nest avg savings data
11.8¢/kWh
National avg 16.2¢ | IL=17.2 | TX=14.9 | VA=15.8 | OH=13.8 | DC=18.4
+34.6%
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 Rate3.5 yrs to break even
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+34.6% Rate2.6 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 $0 = break-even point. Dashed line = equipment lifespan.
Rate Increase Scenario Comparison
| Metric | Base Rate | +10% | +20% | +30% | +40% | +50% | +60% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate (¢/kWh) | 11.8 | 13.0 | 14.2 | 15.4 | 16.5 | 17.7 | 18.9 |
| Annual Savings ($) | $71 | $78 | $85 | $92 | $99 | $106 | $113 |
| Payback (Years) | 3.5 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 2.7 | 2.5 | 2.4 | 2.2 |
| Shift vs Base | — | -0.3 yrs | -0.6 yrs | -0.8 yrs | -1.0 yrs | -1.2 yrs | -1.3 yrs |
| Lifetime Savings | $459 | $529 | $600 | $671 | $742 | $813 | $884 |
| Viable? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |