How to Calculate Cost Per Kilowatt Hour

Your true cost per kilowatt hour will include fees.

Your utility company will provide you with the price per kilowatt hour on the bill you get each month, but to get the full price of that electricity you need to add in the extras. In addition to the price for the electricity, you usually pay taxes, fees and delivery charges that increase the true price of the power.

Things You'll Need

• Electric Bill
• Calculator

Instructions

1. Subtract the meter reading in kilowatt hours shown on your bill for the prior month from the reading on your current bill. This will ensure you have the actual usage for the most recent month.

2. Figure out what the total charges are on your bill. This should include the power cost along with fees, taxes and other charges. Make sure it does not include credit for any payment you made in the past month.

3. Divide the total charges by the number of kilowatt hours used to get the actual cost per kilowatt hour. If your total charges were $52.00 and you used 130 kilowatt hours of electricity, you paid 40 cents for each kilowatt hour of electricity.

References

• National Teacher Enhancement Project: Calculate Energy Costs