The initial ClearCost figure presented is what we call the default ClearCost, which means it’s an average figure. Several things to note about how we calculate the default ClearCost:
1. ClearCost is updated daily, based on the lowest retail price offer for each model. Given that retail offers fluctuate frequently, so can ClearCost.
2. The default ClearCost assumes you will use your new appliance for the same amount of time, using the same settings, as a typical US household.
3. The default ClearCost also assumes you are paying a typical amount for your electricity from your provider (this average tariff is set out by US Department of Energy, and that you would continue to pay that amount over the lifetime of the appliance.
4. The length of time for which running costs are included in the default ClearCost varies by product category because of their different typical useful lifetimes. We assume that you will operate and incur energy bills for a TV over a 5-year period, for example, but assume a 15-year time horizon for major appliances. This length of time is estimated based on recognized third party shopping data that shows typical repurchasing frequencies for the category of product.
Indiana Michigan Power Marketplace uses 3rd party information sources to generate the product-specific default ClearCost (e.g., retail price, average electricity tariff), and every effort is made to ensure these figures are up-to-date.