Lowest reference costs in the current index
Costs use the reference consumer scenario. Read the range and source status before citing a figure.
| # | City | Reference | Scenario range | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fargo, ND | $123 | $65–$206 | July |
| 2 | Boise, ID | $133 | $69–$228 | July |
| 3 | Seattle, WA | $135 | $71–$226 | August |
| 4 | Salt Lake City, UT | $136 | $71–$236 | July |
| 5 | Omaha, NE | $137 | $71–$236 | July |
| 6 | Lexington, KY | $142 | $73–$245 | July |
| 7 | Nashville, TN | $144 | $74–$251 | July |
| 8 | Sioux Falls, SD | $145 | $76–$245 | July |
| 9 | Louisville, KY | $146 | $76–$255 | July |
| 10 | Portland, OR | $150 | $79–$252 | August |
Answers before interactions.
Every tool includes its formula, worked examples and a static reference table for readers and crawlers.
Running cost
Model monthly electricity by ambient temperature, target, setup and rate.
Chiller sizing
Calculate water-only cooldown load, then add real-world headroom.
Ice required
Estimate ice pounds, bag count and cost with the full heat-balance formula.
Ice vs. chiller
Estimate annual cost and simple payback using local ice and electricity prices.
Facts designed to be checked.
The annual index documents what the model can and cannot establish. The validation project will compare predictions with smart-plug measurements.
U.S. cost index
National findings, tables, caveats and source status in one citable report.
Model validation
The measurement plan and publication rules—without pretending results exist yet.
Reproduce the math
Constants, formulas, scenario definitions, version history and limitations.