Smart Plug in Thornton — $1/yr to Run (15.0¢/kWh)
Your smart plug in Thornton costs about $0/month at 15.0¢/kWh. See daily, monthly, and yearly costs, plus tips to cut your bill.
Thornton, CO Electricity Rate
15.0¢/kWh
Utility: Xcel Energy
+15% vs national avg
National avg: 13.0¢/kWh
Daily Cost
$0.00
0.0 kWh/day
Monthly Cost
$0.11
1 kWh/mo
Annual Cost
$1
9 kWh/yr
Lifetime (5yr)
$7
energy only
Monthly Cost Breakdown in Thornton
| Period | kWh | Thornton Cost | National Avg | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily | 0.0 | $0.00 | $0.00 | +$0.00 |
| Weekly | 0.2 | $0.03 | $0.02 | +$0.00 |
| Monthly | 0.7 | $0.11 | $0.09 | +$0.01 |
| Quarterly | 2.2 | $0.33 | $0.28 | +$0.04 |
| Annual | 8.8 | $1.31 | $1.14 | +$0.18 |
Customize Your Smart Plug Cost
Adjust usage hours and electricity rate to calculate your exact cost in Thornton.
Daily
$0.00
Monthly
$0.11
Annual
$1
5-Year
$7
Energy Saving Tips for Smart Plug in Thornton
- ✓Thornton electricity rates are 15% above the national average — energy efficiency matters more here.
- ✓A smart Smart Plug with scheduling optimization can save ~$1/year at Thornton rates.
- ✓Use to eliminate phantom loads from appliances
- ✓Schedule lamps and holiday lights
- ✓Monitor energy usage of connected devices
Highest-Cost Appliances in Thornton, CO
See which appliances cost the most to run at Thornton's 15.0¢/kWh electricity rate.
Level 2 EV Charger (240V)
Transportation · 7,200W
$1,945/yr
$162.11/mo
Electric Furnace
HVAC · 10,000W
$1,351/yr
$112.58/mo
Electric Tankless Water Heater
Water Heating · 18,000W
$986/yr
$82.18/mo
EV Charger (Level 2)
Garage · 7,200W
$973/yr
$81.05/mo
Boiler (Electric)
HVAC · 6,000W
$811/yr
$67.55/mo
Electric Water Heater (Tank)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$740/yr
$61.63/mo
Water Heater (Tank Electric)
Water Heating · 4,500W
$740/yr
$61.63/mo
Heat Pump
HVAC · 2,400W
$576/yr
$48.03/mo
Smart Plug Cost in Other Colorado Cities
| City | Rate | Annual Cost | vs Thornton |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thornton (current) | 15.0¢ | $1 | — |
| Denver | 14.5¢ | $1 | $-0 |
| Colorado Springs | 13.7¢ | $1 | $-0 |
| Aurora | 15.4¢ | $1 | +$0 |
| Fort Collins | 13.7¢ | $1 | $-0 |
| Lakewood | 13.9¢ | $1 | $-0 |
| Arvada | 14.8¢ | $1 | $-0 |
| Westminster | 15.4¢ | $1 | +$0 |
| Pueblo | 14.8¢ | $1 | $-0 |
Methodology & Energy Data Sources for Thornton
How we calculate smart plug energy costs in Thornton, CO: Cost estimates use the standard formula: Annual Cost = (Wattage ÷ 1000) × Hours per Day × Days per Year × Local kWh Rate. We model regional electricity rate variation using EIA monthly data, which captures rate differences between investor-owned utilities, municipal providers, and rural electric cooperatives.
- Appliance wattage sourced from ENERGY STAR product database, manufacturer spec sheets, and DOE residential appliance test data.
- Local kWh rate for Thornton reflects Colorado averages from EIA Form 861 (utility sales data). Rates vary by season (typically 10-20% summer premium) and time-of-use in many Colorado utilities.
- Usage patterns derived from RECS (Residential Energy Consumption Survey), EIA's official survey of US household energy use.
- Carbon footprint calculated using EPA eGRID emissions factors specific to your regional grid mix in Colorado.
Authoritative US energy data sources:
- EIA Electric Power Monthly — official US electricity rate data by state
- EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) — household appliance usage patterns
- ENERGY STAR Product Finder — efficiency ratings for smart plugs
- DOE Energy Saver — Electricity — official tips and appliance comparison
- EPA eGRID — Regional Emissions — carbon intensity by grid region
- EIA State Energy Profiles — Colorado — generation mix, prices, and consumption
Disclaimer: Energy costs are estimates based on average appliance usage and Colorado state-level kWh rates. Your actual costs depend on your specific utility provider, rate plan (flat, time-of-use, demand), local fees, taxes, and renewable energy credits. Check your utility bill for exact rates. For energy efficiency upgrades, consult your local utility's rebate programs and federal tax credits via ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · EIA data current as of latest monthly release
Find Your Utility, Rate Plan & Incentives in Thornton
The Colorado state-average kWh rate shown above is a baseline — your actual cost depends on your specific utility provider, rate plan, and time-of-use schedule. Plus you may be missing rebates that pay for ENERGY STAR replacements:
Each utility has its own rate plans (flat, TOU, demand):
- • EIA — Find Your Utility (by ZIP)
- • EIA Colorado State Profile
- • Time-of-use can save 20-40% if you shift heavy use to off-peak
Inflation Reduction Act provides ongoing credits:
- • ENERGY STAR Federal Tax Credits
- • 30% on solar/battery storage through 2032
- • Up to $2,000 heat pump credit annually
- • DOE — Federal Rebate Programs
State + utility-specific rebates stack with federal:
- • DSIRE — Colorado Incentive Database
- • DOE State Energy Program
- • Many utilities offer $50-500 rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances
Replace efficient = save 25-50% kWh:
NABCEP-certified installers for solar/battery: NABCEP Certified Professionals Directory. Required for many state incentives.
Smart Plug Energy Cost FAQ — Thornton, CO
Understanding Smart Plug Energy Costs in Thornton, CO
Thornton is a mid-sized Colorado city where residential electricity rates from Xcel Energy are shaped by regional energy supply and local demand patterns. Running a low-draw appliance like the Smart Plug (1W) at Thornton's rate of 15.0¢/kWh costs approximately $1 per year — $0 more than the national average of $1.
Thornton rates are 15% above the national average — a modest premium that adds $0 per year to Smart Plug operating costs. Over the appliance's 5-year lifespan, that's $1 in cumulative extra spending versus the national average.
With a cost of living index of 107, Thornton is near the national median. The Smart Plug's monthly cost of $0.11 represents a typical share of the average Thornton electric bill of $158/month. While no ENERGY STAR version is available, a smart Smart Plug with automated scheduling can reduce consumption by 100%, saving $1/year.
In Thornton's warm climate (avg 71.5°F), HVAC-related appliances tend to run more frequently, compounding energy costs. A Smart Plug produces approximately 0.01 tons of CO2 annually at typical usage. Thornton residents can reduce this footprint by optimizing usage patterns, or investing in solar — see our solar savings calculator for Thornton.
Compare All Energy Costs in Thornton
See energy costs for 178+ household appliances at Thornton's local electricity rate.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to run a Smart Plug in Thornton, CO?
At Thornton's average electricity rate of 15.0¢/kWh, a Smart Plug costs approximately $1 per year to run. That's about $0.11 per month with typical usage of 24 hours per day.
What is the electricity rate in Thornton, CO?
The average residential electricity rate in Thornton, CO is 15.0¢/kWh, which is 15% above the national average of 13.0¢/kWh. The primary utility provider is Xcel Energy.
How much electricity does a Smart Plug use per year?
A Smart Plug uses approximately 1 watts and consumes about 9 kWh per year with typical usage of 24 hours/day for 365 days/year.
Is a Smart Plug expensive to run in Thornton?
Compared to the national average cost of $1/year, running a Smart Plug in Thornton costs $0 more per year due to higher local electricity rates.
How can I reduce my Smart Plug energy cost in Thornton?
To reduce Smart Plug costs in Thornton: Use to eliminate phantom loads from appliances. Schedule lamps and holiday lights. Consider using a smart plug to monitor and optimize usage. Also check with Xcel Energy for local energy efficiency rebates and programs.