The three text fields above are to be filled in by looking at your electric bill and noting the charges per kilowatt hour. There is typically two different rates for kilowatt hours (kWh) and a cutoff point or tier that should be noted on your electric bill. The default values are based on an average-monthly residential kilowatt-hour consumption of 935 kWh ( _____2005). The default distribution of kWh among electric appliances is a bit dated; they are based on 2001 data from _______. The default kWh charges entered are identical for both tiers (you should change this), they are based on the national average kwh, residential-billing rate according to _______. Prices vary widely around the U.S. so it is best if you enter your rates and, again, it is also better to have both tier prices entered because these billing rates typically vary by a large amount.

After filling in the above information (assuming you had it handy), the next step is simply to tweak your consumption for each individual appliance by using the slide bars to the left. Follow each scenario that you entered by clicking the submit button; your total kWh and associate cost will appear above. Enter several different scenarios that you imagine are practical for yourself and family to cut back back on electric consumption.

Future versions of this interface will offer better kWh information on individual-appliances that are likely to be found in most homes; future versions will also offer conservation tips for individual appliances. As always, your feedback is appreciated on this calculator and for the website in general.