Utility Tariff Comparison Calculator

Model fixed charges, time bands, taxes, and penalties. See effective unit cost instantly for planning. Pick the lowest tariff for stable factory margins today.

Enter plant and tariff inputs

Use one page to test different industrial tariffs, contract structures, and network charges. Results appear above this form after submission.

Common plant inputs

Example: PKR, USD, EUR.
Billing demand = greater of actual demand or contract demand × ratchet.
Used for cost per finished unit.
Typical monthly hours for load factor calculations.

Tariff A

Use this for market operator, capacity, or supplier adders.

Tariff B

Use this for market operator, capacity, or supplier adders.

Tariff C

Use this for market operator, capacity, or supplier adders.

Example data table

This example illustrates how three industrial tariffs can look before you run your own comparison.

Tariff Peak Rate Off-Peak Rate Demand Rate Fixed Charge Minimum Bill Rebate
Grid Saver 35.00 23.00 900.00 50,000.00 2,500,000.00 1.00%
TOU Advantage 39.00 18.00 780.00 65,000.00 2,400,000.00 2.20%
Demand Guard 31.00 25.00 1,100.00 42,000.00 2,600,000.00 0.50%

Formula used

1) Adjusted billed energy
Adjusted kWh = Monthly kWh × (1 + Loss Factor ÷ 100)
2) Peak and off-peak split
Peak kWh = Adjusted kWh × Peak Share
Off-Peak kWh = Adjusted kWh − Peak kWh
3) Billing demand
Billing Demand = max(Observed Maximum Demand, Contract Demand × Ratchet %)
4) Energy charge
Energy Charge = (Peak kWh × Peak Rate) + (Off-Peak kWh × Off-Peak Rate)
5) Demand charge
Demand Charge = Billing Demand × Demand Rate
6) Power factor penalty
PF Penalty = Energy Charge × ((PF Target − PF Actual) ÷ PF Target) × PF Penalty Rate
7) Landed monthly cost
Gross = Energy + Demand + Fixed + Fuel Adjustment + Wheeling + Other Surcharge + PF Penalty
Rebate Amount = Gross × Rebate %
Tax = (Gross − Rebate Amount) × Tax %
Final Monthly Bill = max(Gross − Rebate Amount + Tax, Minimum Bill)
8) Unit economics
Effective Rate = Final Monthly Bill ÷ Monthly kWh
Cost per Production Unit = Final Monthly Bill ÷ Production Units

This model is meant for quick scenario analysis. Always validate special clauses such as standby demand, seasonal rates, reactive penalties, taxes on taxes, or block slabs against the official tariff sheet.

How to use this calculator

  1. Enter your plant’s monthly energy consumption, peak share, observed demand, and contract demand.
  2. Add power factor, loss factor, wheeling, fuel adjustment, tax, and monthly production volume.
  3. Fill in three tariff options with their peak rates, off-peak rates, demand charges, rebates, and minimum bills.
  4. Press Compare Tariffs to generate the best option, full cost table, and Plotly graph.
  5. Use the CSV button to move results into spreadsheets or procurement files.
  6. Use the PDF button to save a clean comparison report for approvals or supplier negotiations.
  7. Change any field and recalculate to test load shifting, contract resizing, or improved power factor scenarios.

Frequently asked questions

1) What does this calculator compare?

It compares total landed monthly utility cost across three tariff structures. It includes energy, demand, fixed charges, wheeling, fuel adjustment, taxes, rebates, minimum bills, and power factor penalties.

2) Why is demand charge important in manufacturing?

Many factories focus on unit energy rates and miss demand penalties. A tariff with cheaper kWh pricing can still cost more overall if maximum demand or ratchet billing is high.

3) What is billing demand ratchet?

It is the portion of contract demand that utilities may bill even when your actual demand is lower. This protects supplier revenue and can materially change tariff rankings.

4) How does power factor affect the result?

Low power factor can trigger penalties or missed incentives. The calculator estimates that impact as a percentage of energy charge whenever actual power factor stays below target.

5) Should I include wheeling and losses?

Yes. These items often decide whether captive, third-party, or retail supply is actually cheaper. Ignoring network losses can make an attractive tariff look better than reality.

6) Why can the lowest peak rate still lose?

Because tariffs are bundles of charges. A lower peak rate can be offset by a high fixed fee, strict minimum bill, weak rebate, or expensive demand component.

7) Can I use this for non-electric utilities?

Yes, with adaptation. It can approximate gas, steam, or compressed air contracts where tariffs also include fixed charges, throughput fees, minimum commitments, and taxes.

8) How often should tariffs be reviewed?

Review whenever production pattern, shift mix, contract demand, fuel adjustment, or supplier offer changes. Quarterly checks are common, while volatile markets may justify monthly review.

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Important Note: All the Calculators listed in this site are for educational purpose only and we do not guarentee the accuracy of results. Please do consult with other sources as well.