Calculate monthly demand charges from maximum 15-minute demand and $/kW-month rate, or solve for demand or rate from the charge amount.
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Demand Charge Formula
The demand charge is based on your highest measured demand during the billing demand interval, commonly a 15-minute period. The calculator uses kilowatts as the base demand unit.
- DC = demand charge in dollars per month
- DkW = maximum demand in kilowatts
- R = demand charge rate in dollars per kW-month
If you enter maximum demand and demand charge rate, the calculator finds the monthly demand charge. If you enter demand charge and rate, it finds the maximum demand. If you enter demand charge and maximum demand, it finds the demand charge rate.
When maximum demand is entered in watts or megawatts, it is converted to kilowatts before the formula is applied.
Demand Unit Conversions and Typical Rate Context
Use these tables to check whether the units and results are in a reasonable range.
| Entered Unit | Conversion to kW | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Watts (W) | W × 0.001 | 50,000 W = 50 kW |
| Kilowatts (kW) | kW × 1 | 50 kW = 50 kW |
| Megawatts (MW) | MW × 1,000 | 0.05 MW = 50 kW |
| Demand Charge Rate | 50 kW Demand | 250 kW Demand |
|---|---|---|
| $5/kW-month | $250/month | $1,250/month |
| $10/kW-month | $500/month | $2,500/month |
| $20/kW-month | $1,000/month | $5,000/month |
Example Demand Charge Calculations
Example 1: Calculate the demand charge
You have a maximum demand of 120 kW and a demand charge rate of $14/kW-month.
The demand charge is $1,680 per month.
Example 2: Calculate maximum demand
Your demand charge is $900 per month and the demand charge rate is $12/kW-month.
The maximum demand is 75 kW.
FAQ
What is a demand charge?
A demand charge is a charge based on the highest level of power you used during a billing demand interval. In this calculator, the demand interval is treated as a 15-minute period. It is different from an energy charge, which is based on total electricity used over time in kilowatt-hours.
Why is the demand charge rate shown as $/kW-month?
The rate is charged for each kilowatt of peak demand during the billing month. For example, if your peak demand is 100 kW and your rate is $15/kW-month, your demand charge is 100 × 15, or $1,500 for that month.
Can maximum demand be entered in watts or megawatts?
Yes. The calculator converts watts and megawatts to kilowatts before calculating the result. Watts are divided by 1,000, and megawatts are multiplied by 1,000.
