UBC

Everyday Calculators

Utility Bill Comparison Calculator

Compare monthly and horizon costs for Plan A and Plan B, reveal the signed difference, and show when recurring monthly savings can recover the entered switching charge.

Monthly electricity use (kWh)Monthly gas use (therms)Plan A electricity rate per kWhPlan A gas rate per thermPlan A monthly fixed feesPlan B electricity rate per kWhPlan B gas rate per thermPlan B monthly fixed feesOne-time switching cost for Plan BComparison horizon (months)

Plan A monthly cost-

Plan B monthly cost-

Plan B minus Plan A per month-

Plan A cost through horizon-

Plan B cost including switch-

Plan B minus Plan A through horizon-

Switching-cost break-even-

Decision view

Plan A versus Plan B utility contract

Plan A versus Plan B utility contractCommon usage is priced under both plans while Plan B's switching charge remains a separate one-time hurdle.

Exact scenario comparisonComparison horizon (months) changes while all other entered assumptions remain constant.

Comparison horizon (months)	Plan A monthly cost	Plan B monthly cost	Plan B minus Plan A per month	Plan A cost through horizon	Plan B cost including switch	Plan B minus Plan A through horizon	Switching-cost break-even

How to use Utility Bill Comparison Calculator

Use the same realistic usage for both plans.
Enter every recurring fixed fee and the full one-time switching charge.
Review contract terms, tariff tiers, and the horizon before changing service.

Calculator guide

Understanding Utility Bill Comparison Calculator

Two utility plans must be evaluated on identical consumption. This calculator prices the same electricity and gas usage under both plans and isolates the one-time switching cost.

Usage held equal Rate design drives the comparison.

Fixed fees included Low variable rates are not viewed alone.

Switch cost isolated One-time cash appears only in Plan B.

Direction explicit Signed differences identify the cheaper modeled plan.

Detailed calculation process

Price identical consumption under both utility plans

The default compares 780 kWh and 42 therms under both plans, then applies the $90 switching charge once to Plan B across a 12-month horizon.

General formula: A = E r_eA + G r_gA + F_A; B = E r_eB + G r_gB + F_B; D_m = B-A; H_A = Am; H_B = Bm+C; D_h = H_B-H_A; P = C/(A-B) Electricity and gas quantities are held constant so the comparison isolates rate and fixed-fee design. The switching cost affects Plan B's horizon total but not its recurring monthly cost.

What each symbol means

E, G Common monthly electricity use (kWh) and gas use (therms).

r_eA, r_eB Plan A and Plan B electricity rates per kWh.

r_gA, r_gB Plan A and Plan B gas rates per therm.

F_A, F_B, C Monthly fixed fees and Plan B one-time switching cost.

m, D_m, D_h, P Horizon months, monthly difference, horizon difference, and recovery months.

Worked substitution with the default inputs

1. Price Plan A: 780 x $0.19 + 42 x $1.40 + $32 = $239.00 Both variable services and Plan A's recurring fee are included.

2. Price Plan B: 780 x $0.16 + 42 x $1.55 + $44 = $233.90 Plan B saves $5.10 per month before the switching charge.

3. Calculate horizon totals: $239 x 12 = $2,868.00; $233.90 x 12 + $90 = $2,896.80 The one-time charge makes Plan B $28.80 more expensive over the selected year.

4. Check the crossing: $90 / $5.10 = 17.65 months The selected 12-month horizon ends before the switching charge is recovered.

Under the default assumptions Plan B is cheaper each month, but Plan A remains cheaper over 12 months because the $90 switching cost needs about 17.65 months to recover.

Plan review

Check the contract behind the rates

A rate comparison is incomplete without service and contract details.

Tariff Review tiers, time-of-use blocks, and seasonal pricing.

Contract Check term, renewal, termination, and escalation.

Service Compare reliability, billing, and support.

Switch Include deposits, installation, and overlap.

Worked situations

Practical examples

A lower electricity rate can be offset by a higher gas rate or fixed fee.
Plan B's horizon total includes the switching charge once.
Break-even exists only when Plan B's monthly cost is lower.

Better inputs

Useful tips

Stress low and high usage.
Include early termination or installation charges.
Compare reliability, renewable content, and contract risk separately.

Before relying on the result

Limitations and common mistakes

Tariff tiers, taxes, credits, penalties, and usage response are excluded.
Rates remain constant through the horizon.
A simple break-even does not discount future savings.

Reference

Key terms

Common usage: Same electricity and gas quantities used for both plans.
Monthly difference: Plan B monthly cost minus Plan A.
Switching cost: One-time charge assigned only to Plan B.
Switch break-even: Switching cost divided by monthly savings when Plan B is cheaper.

Important note

Tariff references: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electricity Prices Explained (https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/electricity/prices-and-factors-affecting-prices.php) and OpenEI Utility Rate Database (https://openei.org/wiki/Utility_Rate_Database). The provider's current tariff and contract control the actual charge.

Frequently asked questions

What does a negative horizon difference mean?

Plan B is cheaper than Plan A under the entered assumptions.

When is break-even undefined?

When Plan B has no positive monthly saving to recover the switching cost.

Should taxes be added?

They are not modeled here unless embedded in the rates and fees.

Can usage change after switching?

Yes, but this comparison intentionally holds it constant.

Why can the monthly winner lose over the selected horizon?

A one-time switching charge can exceed the recurring savings before the break-even month is reached.

Where should the entered rates come from?

Use the current tariff or contract for each provider and verify tiers, seasonal periods, credits, and termination terms separately.