Energy math small businesses can actually use.
PowerCost Lab turns confusing commercial-electricity concepts into transparent planning tools for U.S. business owners and operators.
Why this site exists
Commercial bills are not just usage multiplied by a rate. Demand charges, time-of-use periods, fixed fees, utilization, and equipment schedules can all change the outcome. Our calculators keep those pieces visible so users can understand what drives an estimate.
Who it is for
We design for laundromats, restaurants, hotels, machine shops, warehouses, grocery and cold-storage facilities, car washes, commercial EV-charging sites, and other small facilities that need a fast first-pass estimate.
Who publishes PowerCost Lab
The PowerCost Lab editorial team is responsible for calculator formulas, source checks, testing, limitations, updates, and corrections. The byline is an accountability label and does not imply a licensed engineering review.
Our editorial promise
- Show the inputs and formulas behind every result.
- Label benchmarks clearly and link to primary data sources.
- Separate estimates from utility tariffs and professional advice.
- Review tools and guides before publication.
How tools are reviewed
Every calculator is checked against its published formula and tested with representative business scenarios before release. Data pages identify the source, benchmark period, and limitations so visitors can distinguish a statewide average from a utility tariff.