WattCost

Data through April 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

GE GDE21EMK

The GE GDE21EMK never switches off, and its certified 572 kWh a year works out to about $108 on a U.S.-average electric bill — roughly $8.98 a month for an average continuous draw of 65 watts. That's close to the middle of the certified pack — about 2% above the median bottom-freezer refrigerator, ranked 784 of 1458. Where you live moves the bill from $71 a year in North Dakota to $267 in Hawaii.

Uses 10% less energy than the U.S. federal minimum

Dimensions 69.6" H × 29.8" W

Estimated annual running cost · U.S. average rate 18.8¢/kWh

$108/yr

$7.91 · cheapest certified refrigerators$152 · priciest
Per month
$8.98
Per day
30¢
Certified use
572 kWh/yr
Configuration
Bottom Freezer
Total capacity
20.9 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
Yes
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the GE GDE21EMK (▮) sits among all 4,229 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

GE GDE21EMK: 572 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama17.4¢$100
Alaska27.4¢$156
Arizona15.5¢$89
Arkansas14.2¢$81
California35.3¢$202
Colorado16.5¢$95
Connecticut32.2¢$184
Delaware18.8¢$107
District of Columbia25.4¢$145
Florida15.4¢$88
Georgia15.4¢$88
Hawaiipriciest46.6¢$267
Idaho12.7¢$73
Illinois20.5¢$117
Indiana17.9¢$102
Iowa13.9¢$79
Kansas15.8¢$90
Kentucky15.0¢$86
Louisiana14.4¢$83
Maine28.4¢$163
Maryland22.1¢$126
Massachusetts29.4¢$168
Michigan21.4¢$122
Minnesota16.4¢$94
Mississippi16.8¢$96
Missouri14.0¢$80
Montana13.9¢$80
Nebraska13.3¢$76
Nevada14.3¢$82
New Hampshire27.2¢$156
New Jersey23.5¢$135
New Mexico15.2¢$87
New York29.4¢$168
North Carolina16.3¢$93
North Dakotacheapest12.3¢$71
Ohio19.5¢$111
Oklahoma13.3¢$76
Oregon15.8¢$90
Pennsylvania21.5¢$123
Rhode Island28.3¢$162
South Carolina17.1¢$98
South Dakota14.5¢$83
Tennessee14.9¢$85
Texas17.0¢$97
Utah13.3¢$76
Vermont24.6¢$140
Virginia17.4¢$99
Washington14.4¢$82
West Virginia16.1¢$92
Wisconsin19.2¢$110
Wyoming14.7¢$84

Certified models closest in efficiency

bottom-freezer refrigerators within reach of 572 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GBE21DGK572$108
GE GBE21DYK572$108
GE GDE21EGK572$108
GE GDE21EYK572$108
GE GNE21FMK571$108
GE GNE21FYK571$108

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
30¢
Per month
$8.98
Per year
$108

572 kWh/yr × 18.8¢/kWh = $108/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 572 kWh/yr — adjust if your usage differs from the DOE test basis. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.

Questions, answered with the data

How much electricity does the GE GDE21EMK use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the GE GDE21EMK at 572 kWh per year. The certified annual kWh comes from the DOE test procedure, which measures continuous 24/7 operation at standardized temperatures — refrigerators never get a day off.
How much does the GE GDE21EMK cost to run per month?
About $8.98 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.8¢/kWh) — 30¢ a day, or $108 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the GE GDE21EMK energy efficient?
It uses 2% more electricity than the median certified bottom-freezer refrigerator.
What does the GE GDE21EMK cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $71 a year in North Dakota (12.3¢/kWh) and $267 in Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh).
How many watts does the GE GDE21EMK draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 572 kWh works out to an average draw of about 65 watts — like leaving a 65-watt bulb on 24/7.

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