Power Cost Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the electricity cost based on appliance power consumption, usage time, and electricity rate.
Purpose: It helps UK residents and businesses understand and predict their electricity expenses for specific appliances or devices.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The formula converts watts to kilowatts (by dividing by 1000) and multiplies by time and rate to get the total cost.
Details: Understanding power costs helps with budgeting, comparing appliance efficiency, and identifying potential energy savings.
Tips: Enter the appliance power in watts, usage time in hours, and electricity rate (default £0.34/kWh). All values must be > 0.
Q1: Where can I find my electricity rate?
A: Check your energy bill or contact your electricity provider. The default uses the UK average of £0.34/kWh.
Q2: How do I find an appliance's power consumption?
A: Check the label, manual, or specifications. Some appliances list power in amps (A) - multiply by voltage (230V in UK) to get watts.
Q3: Does this include standing charges?
A: No, this calculates only the usage cost. Your bill also includes a daily standing charge.
Q4: Can I calculate annual costs?
A: Yes, multiply daily usage by 365 or weekly usage by 52 for annual estimates.
Q5: Why divide by 1000 in the formula?
A: This converts watts to kilowatts (1 kW = 1000 W), as electricity is billed per kWh.