Electricity Usage and Measurement
Time-of-Use Electricity Cost Calculator
Time-of-Use Electricity Cost provides a checkable estimate of peak-period cost. It is intended for scenario comparison, not as automatic approval of a component or installation.
Enter values for Peak-period cost
Do not mix values recorded under different conditions.
Changing Peak energy
Change Peak energy from 320 kWh to 384 kWh with the rest of the inputs held constant. The comparison runs from 99.20 $ to 119.04 $.
Use a separate scenario when multiple conditions change together.
How the result is calculated
The displayed result follows cost = peak energy × peak rate. The entered quantities are Peak energy and Peak rate.
The initial scenario returns 99.20 $. Re-enter field data before using the answer in a design or comparison.
Calculate peak-period cost from peak energy and peak rate. For operating cost, use Electrical Power Cost Calculator.
Values this page needs
Use tariff periods, demand intervals, meter ratios, and operating hours from the same billing case. If operating conditions changed between readings, calculate separate cases.
Confirm decimal placement whenever a source uses a different unit scale. A later annual lighting cost decision can draw on Lighting Energy Cost Calculator.
- Peak energy
- Default example: 320 kWh. Enter peak energy in kWh.
- Peak rate
- Default example: 0.31 $/kWh. Enter peak rate in $/kWh.
Applying the result
The primary answer, Peak-period cost, describes only the entered scenario. Compare it with the relevant tariff and measured load profile.
Keep the input set beside the output so another reader can reproduce it.
Transferring the result
Archive peak energy and peak rate with peak-period cost. Identify the instrument, rating, or assumption behind each entry.
Transfer peak-period cost with all available digits during downstream arithmetic. Keep a separate displayed value if reporting precision differs.
Practical limits
Calculate other tariff periods separately.
Outside the entered variables, consider fixed charges, demand ratchets, seasonal rates, uncertainty, and future load change. Test an additional scenario when an omitted effect has a plausible range.
Use tariff periods, demand intervals, meter ratios, and operating hours from the same billing case.
Common questions before using the result
What assumptions affect Peak-period cost?
The result follows the displayed variables. Check idle consumption, load variability, tariff changes, and maintenance downtime separately.
Why does the field result disagree with this page?
Differences can come from fixed charges, demand ratchets, seasonal rates, uncertainty, and future load change, measurement uncertainty, or values taken under different conditions.
How do I run a useful sensitivity check?
Change one uncertain entry at a time and preserve the baseline. Record meter scaling, time period, load profile, and applicable tariff.
Does the answer include a design margin?
Use the number as one check, then review the relevant tariff and measured load profile.
What precision should move to the next worksheet?
Keep full precision while transferring peak-period cost; round only at the final reporting or selection step.
Can an input legitimately be zero?
Leave the case unfinished until the real value is known rather than entering a placeholder zero.