Fictional worked example

Find the break-even usage for two plans

A household comparing electricity plans has a choice between a larger fixed charge and a lower unit price. They want to see how both a quiet month and a busy month would price out.

Open Calculator

Inputs and calculation

Plan A, quiet month
Tool inputValue
CurrencyUSD
UtilityElectricity (kWh)
Metered usage200
Tariff typeFlat rate
Price per billing unit (USD)0.24
Service fee (USD)5
Tax on usage plus service fee (%)0

200 × 0.24 + 5 = 53.00.

Tool result · USD 53.00

Plan B, quiet month
Tool inputValue
CurrencyUSD
UtilityElectricity (kWh)
Metered usage200
Tariff typeFlat rate
Price per billing unit (USD)0.18
Service fee (USD)21
Tax on usage plus service fee (%)0

200 × 0.18 + 21 = 57.00.

Tool result · USD 57.00

Plan A, busy month
Tool inputValue
CurrencyUSD
UtilityElectricity (kWh)
Metered usage400
Tariff typeFlat rate
Price per billing unit (USD)0.24
Service fee (USD)5
Tax on usage plus service fee (%)0

400 × 0.24 + 5 = 101.00.

Tool result · USD 101.00

Plan B, busy month
Tool inputValue
CurrencyUSD
UtilityElectricity (kWh)
Metered usage400
Tariff typeFlat rate
Price per billing unit (USD)0.18
Service fee (USD)21
Tax on usage plus service fee (%)0

400 × 0.18 + 21 = 93.00.

Tool result · USD 93.00

What the comparison shows

The break-even point is 16 ÷ 0.06, about 267 kWh. The household would need its usage history to judge either plan across a year.

Assumptions and limits

Sample plans have no introductory discounts, exit charges or taxes. Use the same usage and time window when comparing quotes.

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