A stationary concentrator runs a compressor for most of the day, so it shows up on your power bill. Here’s what it costs, using manufacturer power figures and the latest U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) residential rates.
The formula
Monthly cost = watts ÷ 1,000 × hours per day × 30 days × your rate per kWh.
Find your rate on your bill: divide total energy charges by kWh used. The EIA’s July 2026 U.S. average residential price was 18.31¢/kWh, up from 17.45¢ in July 2025 (EIA Electric Power Monthly, Table 5.6.A, released September 2026).
Cost by model at the U.S. average (18.31¢/kWh)
| Device | Power | kWh/month (24 h/day) | Cost/month 24 h/day | Cost/month 15 h/day | Power source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CAIRE Companion 5 at 2 LPM | 285 W | 205 kWh | $37.57 | $23.48 | Companion 5 manual |
| CAIRE Companion 5, maximum | 350 W | 252 kWh | $46.14 | $28.84 | Companion 5 manual |
| CAIRE NewLife Intensity 10 (rated power) | 600 W | 432 kWh | $79.10 | $49.44 | CAIRE cut sheet |
| DeVilbiss 1025DS 10 LPM (average) | 639 W | 460 kWh | $84.24 | $52.65 | DeVilbiss manual |
The 15 h/day column matches the ATS minimum for long-term oxygen in severe resting hypoxemia (ATS). Your prescription may call for more. Manufacturer figures are rated or average power, so actual draw varies with setting and conditions. Lower settings generally draw less: CAIRE says the Companion 5 uses “less than 300 W at 3.0 LPM and lower” (CAIRE).
Cost by state (24/7, 30 days)
| State | July 2026 residential rate | Companion 5 at 2 LPM (285 W) | 10 LPM unit (600 W) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | 48.00¢ | $98.50 | $207.36 |
| California | 33.61¢ | $68.97 | $145.20 |
| Massachusetts | 30.49¢ | $62.57 | $131.72 |
| New York | 29.90¢ | $61.35 | $129.17 |
| Ohio | 19.45¢ | $39.91 | $84.02 |
| U.S. average | 18.31¢ | $37.57 | $79.10 |
| Colorado | 17.00¢ | $34.88 | $73.44 |
| Georgia | 16.27¢ | $33.39 | $70.29 |
| Texas | 15.88¢ | $32.59 | $68.60 |
| Arizona | 15.38¢ | $31.56 | $66.44 |
| Florida | 15.03¢ | $30.84 | $64.93 |
| Washington | 14.71¢ | $30.18 | $63.55 |
| Louisiana | 12.72¢ | $26.10 | $54.95 |
Rates are EIA monthly averages for July 2026 (EIA). Your utility’s tiers, time-of-use pricing and fees change the real number.
Prices of the units
| Device | Price (checked 2026-10-13) |
|---|---|
| CAIRE Companion 5 | $995 |
| CAIRE NewLife Intensity 10 | $1,299 |
| DeVilbiss 1025DS 10 LPM | $1,399 |
For buying advice, see the oxygen concentrator buyer’s guide and 5 LPM vs 10 LPM.
Ways to keep the cost down
- Use the prescribed setting, not more. Higher flow uses more power on most units, and the FDA warns against self-adjusting oxygen (FDA).
- Pick the right size. If your prescription fits a 5 LPM unit, a 10 LPM machine costs more to run.
- Keep filters clean. CAIRE lists weekly intake-filter cleaning for the Intensity 10 (cut sheet).
- Ask your utility about medical-need programs. These vary and HHZ hasn’t verified any specific one.
Power outages
A concentrator stops when the power does. Ask your supplier about backup cylinders. For battery and generator planning, see CPAP battery and camping power and POC battery life.
Does Medicare cover the electricity?
Medicare.gov says the oxygen rental covers equipment, refills, supplies and maintenance (Medicare.gov). It doesn’t list electricity, and we found no primary source saying Medicare reimburses it. See Medicare home oxygen coverage.
Verdict
Budget roughly $35–$85 a month for 24/7 use at the U.S. average rate. The low end is a 5 LPM unit at low flow, the high end a 10 LPM unit. At July 2026 rates, Massachusetts, New York and California cost about 1.6–1.8 times the national average, and Hawaii about 2.6 times. Calculate with your own rate and setting, and choose the smallest machine that meets your prescription.
Related: oxygen cylinders vs concentrators, home oxygen fire safety, oxygen saturation targets.