1. What is a Power Cost Calculator UK?

Definition: This calculator estimates the electricity cost in pounds based on appliance power, usage time, and current electricity rate.

Purpose: It helps UK residents and businesses understand and predict their electricity expenses for specific appliances or devices.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( Cost \) — Electricity cost in pounds
• \( P \) — Power consumption in watts
• \( t \) — Usage time in hours
• \( Rate \) — Electricity rate in £ per kilowatt-hour

Explanation: The formula converts watts to kilowatts (dividing by 1000) and multiplies by time and rate to get the total cost.

3. Importance of Power Cost Calculation

Details: Understanding electricity costs helps with budgeting, comparing appliance efficiency, and identifying energy-saving opportunities.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the appliance power in watts, usage time in hours, and current electricity rate (default £0.34/kWh). All values must be > 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find my electricity rate?
A: Check your energy bill or supplier's website. The default uses the UK average of 34p/kWh (2023).

Q2: How do I find an appliance's power rating?
A: Check the label, manual, or manufacturer's specifications. Some appliances list watts (W), others list amps (A) - for amps, multiply by voltage (230V in UK).

Q3: Does this include standing charges?
A: No, this calculates usage cost only. Add your daily standing charge separately for total bill estimation.

Q4: Can I calculate annual costs?
A: Yes, multiply daily usage by 365 or weekly by 52. For irregular usage, estimate average hours per year.

Q5: Why divide by 1000?
A: Electricity is billed per kilowatt-hour (kWh), and 1 kW = 1000 watts, so we convert watts to kilowatts.