WattCost

Data through April 2026

Running cost · Refrigerators · ENERGY STAR certified

GE GTE21GSH

The GE GTE21GSH never switches off, and its certified 480 kWh a year works out to about $90 on a U.S.-average electric bill — roughly $7.53 a month for an average continuous draw of 55 watts. Even among certified models it's on the thirsty end: 32% more electricity than the median top-freezer refrigerator, ranked 661 of 674. Where you live moves the bill from $59 a year in North Dakota to $224 in Hawaii. It also meets ENERGY STAR's stricter “Most Efficient” criteria.

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

Dimensions 66.8" H × 32.7" W

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

$90/yr

$7.91 · cheapest certified refrigerators$152 · priciest
Per month
$7.53
Per day
25¢
Certified use
480 kWh/yr
Configuration
Top Freezer
Total capacity
21.1 cu ft
Defrost
Automatic
Ice maker
Yes
Through-door dispenser
No
42 kWh805 kWh
Where the GE GTE21GSH (▮) sits among all 4,229 certified refrigerators, by annual kWh

What it costs in every state

GE GTE21GSH: 480 kWh/yr × each state's average residential rate (EIA)
StateRate ¢/kWhThis model $/yrRelative cost
Alabama17.4¢$84
Alaska27.4¢$131
Arizona15.5¢$74
Arkansas14.2¢$68
California35.3¢$169
Colorado16.5¢$79
Connecticut32.2¢$155
Delaware18.8¢$90
District of Columbia25.4¢$122
Florida15.4¢$74
Georgia15.4¢$74
Hawaiipriciest46.6¢$224
Idaho12.7¢$61
Illinois20.5¢$98
Indiana17.9¢$86
Iowa13.9¢$67
Kansas15.8¢$76
Kentucky15.0¢$72
Louisiana14.4¢$69
Maine28.4¢$136
Maryland22.1¢$106
Massachusetts29.4¢$141
Michigan21.4¢$103
Minnesota16.4¢$79
Mississippi16.8¢$80
Missouri14.0¢$67
Montana13.9¢$67
Nebraska13.3¢$64
Nevada14.3¢$69
New Hampshire27.2¢$131
New Jersey23.5¢$113
New Mexico15.2¢$73
New York29.4¢$141
North Carolina16.3¢$78
North Dakotacheapest12.3¢$59
Ohio19.5¢$94
Oklahoma13.3¢$64
Oregon15.8¢$76
Pennsylvania21.5¢$103
Rhode Island28.3¢$136
South Carolina17.1¢$82
South Dakota14.5¢$70
Tennessee14.9¢$72
Texas17.0¢$82
Utah13.3¢$64
Vermont24.6¢$118
Virginia17.4¢$83
Washington14.4¢$69
West Virginia16.1¢$77
Wisconsin19.2¢$92
Wyoming14.7¢$70

Certified models closest in efficiency

top-freezer refrigerators within reach of 480 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GIE21GSHmost efficient480$90
GE GIE21GTHmost efficient480$90
GE GTE21GTHmost efficient480$90
Hisense RT210N3S*EHmost efficient478$90
Hisense RT21N3**Emost efficient478$90
Maytag MRTX7621Tmost efficient482$91

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
25¢
Per month
$7.53
Per year
$90

480 kWh/yr × 18.8¢/kWh = $90/yr

Prefilled with this model's certified 480 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 GTE21GSH use?
ENERGY STAR certifies the GE GTE21GSH at 480 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 GTE21GSH cost to run per month?
About $7.53 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.8¢/kWh) — 25¢ a day, or $90 a year. Your state's rate moves this up or down; see the table above.
Is the GE GTE21GSH energy efficient?
It uses 32% more electricity than the median certified top-freezer refrigerator, which puts it among the least efficient certified models. It also meets ENERGY STAR's Most Efficient criteria.
What does the GE GTE21GSH cost to run in the cheapest vs. priciest state?
At current residential rates it costs about $59 a year in North Dakota (12.3¢/kWh) and $224 in Hawaii (46.6¢/kWh).
How many watts does the GE GTE21GSH draw on average?
Spread over a year of continuous operation, 480 kWh works out to an average draw of about 55 watts — like leaving a 55-watt bulb on 24/7.

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