To find the cost to run machinery, which of the following inputs is crucial?

To accurately determine the cost of running machinery, it is essential to understand the power rate per kilowatt-hour (kWh). This is because the power rate directly impacts the total energy cost incurred while operating the equipment. The higher the rate, the more expensive it will be to run the machinery for a specific period.

When calculating running costs, the power draw of the machinery (often measured in kilowatts) multiplied by the operating time (in hours) gives the total energy consumed. This energy consumption, when then multiplied by the power rate per kWh, provides the total cost to run the machinery over that period.

Consequently, even though factors like the horsepower rating, ambient temperature, and efficiency rating are significant for performance and operational efficiency, they do not directly translate into a cost figure without considering the power rate. The efficiency rating could influence the electricity needed (thereby impacting costs indirectly), but the direct link to financial outlay hinges on the power rate per kWh.