WattCost

Data through June 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 $88 on a U.S.-average electric bill — roughly $7.34 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 700 of 713. Where you live moves the bill from $63 a year in Nevada to $253 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 18.3¢/kWh

$88/yr

$7.70 · cheapest certified refrigerators$148 · priciest
Per month
$7.34
Per day
24¢
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 4,371 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
Alabama16.4¢$79
Alaska28.2¢$135
Arizona15.2¢$73
Arkansas14.1¢$68
California34.7¢$167
Colorado17.1¢$82
Connecticut24.3¢$117
Delaware19.3¢$93
District of Columbia24.4¢$117
Florida15.1¢$72
Georgia16.4¢$79
Hawaiipriciest52.7¢$253
Idaho14.4¢$69
Illinois19.9¢$95
Indiana17.5¢$84
Iowa15.9¢$76
Kansas15.7¢$75
Kentucky14.3¢$68
Louisiana13.5¢$65
Maine29.6¢$142
Maryland21.8¢$105
Massachusetts29.6¢$142
Michigan23.0¢$110
Minnesota17.5¢$84
Mississippi14.9¢$71
Missouri16.2¢$78
Montana15.1¢$73
Nebraska13.3¢$64
Nevadacheapest13.1¢$63
New Hampshire27.0¢$130
New Jersey24.9¢$120
New Mexico15.1¢$72
New York29.5¢$142
North Carolina14.7¢$71
North Dakota14.1¢$68
Ohio19.2¢$92
Oklahoma14.3¢$69
Oregon16.3¢$78
Pennsylvania21.7¢$104
Rhode Island29.2¢$140
South Carolina15.6¢$75
South Dakota15.4¢$74
Tennessee14.1¢$68
Texas15.9¢$77
Utah13.4¢$64
Vermont24.4¢$117
Virginia17.2¢$83
Washington14.9¢$72
West Virginia15.4¢$74
Wisconsin19.6¢$94
Wyoming15.2¢$73

Certified models closest in efficiency

top-freezer refrigerators within reach of 480 kWh/yr
ModelkWh/yr$/yr (US avg)
GE GIE21GSHmost efficient480$88
GE GIE21GTHmost efficient480$88
GE GTE21GTHmost efficient480$88
Hisense RT210N3S*EHmost efficient478$88
Hisense RT21N3**Emost efficient478$88
Maytag MRTX7621Tmost efficient482$88

Run your own numbers

Your rate, your numbers

Per day
24¢
Per month
$7.34
Per year
$88

480 kWh/yr × 18.3¢/kWh = $88/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 $7.34 a month at the U.S. average residential rate (18.3¢/kWh) — 24¢ a day, or $88 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 $63 a year in Nevada (13.1¢/kWh) and $253 in Hawaii (52.7¢/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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