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Even solar-offset homes pay these charges.
About This Estimate: The Estimated All-In Annual Total includes a local taxes & fees adjustment (default +20%) to account for fixed monthly service charges, delivery and distribution fees, transmission charges, and state/local utility taxes. These charges appear on every utility bill regardless of how much — or how little — energy is consumed, and represent the unavoidable floor of any utility bill.
Important for homes with solar: Solar generation can offset commodity energy costs significantly — some utilities allow solar to offset 100% or more of electrical commodity use — but fixed utility charges, delivery fees, and service charges remain on the bill regardless of solar production. A well-sized solar array may reduce the commodity portion of the electric bill to near zero, yet a homeowner can still expect $800–$1,500+ per year in unavoidable fixed charges depending on their utility. This is a key reason the taxes & fees adjustment defaults to 20% in this estimator.
Commodity cost figures are based on U.S. EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) benchmarks adjusted by IECC climate zone, construction-era energy codes, and occupant load. Water heating is assumed to use the primary fuel selected. Actual costs also vary based on thermostat settings, insulation quality, appliance efficiency, and air leakage.
Energy savings between tiers will vary with local utility rates. Zone 6 markets with above-average gas prices will see savings at the higher end of the estimated range; markets with lower rates will see savings at the lower end. Use the rate dropdowns above to match your local utility pricing for a more accurate comparison.
Lights & appliances estimates assume typical household equipment loads. High-draw electronics — gaming computers, home theater systems, EV chargers, hot tubs, or older appliances — can add $150–$500+ per year beyond what this model estimates. The lights & appliances figure is the most behavior-dependent category and will vary the most from household to household. This tool is intended as a general planning estimate only — not a substitute for a professional energy audit or utility analysis.