To calculate electricity cost from watts: (1) Convert watts to kilowatts by dividing by 1,000. (2) Multiply kilowatts by the number of hours used per day to get kWh per day. (3) Multiply kWh by your electricity unit rate (e.g. 24.5p/kWh). For example, a 1,000W kettle used for 0.5 hours per day uses 0.5 kWh, costing 0.5 × 24.5p = 12.25p per day.

The average electricity unit rate in the UK in 2026 is approximately 24–25p per kWh, in line with Ofgem’s price cap. The average daily standing charge is around 53p per day. However, your exact rate depends on your supplier, tariff, and region. You can find your exact unit rate on your energy bill or supplier app.

A typical washing machine uses between 0.5 kWh and 2 kWh per cycle depending on the temperature and programme selected. At an average UK electricity rate of 24.5p/kWh, a single wash cycle costs between 12p and 49p. Washing at 30°C uses significantly less energy than a 60°C cycle, making lower temperatures a straightforward way to reduce electricity costs.

Charging an electric vehicle at home in the UK costs around £12 to £18 for a full charge from empty, based on an average battery size of 60–75 kWh and an electricity rate of 24.5p/kWh. Using a 7.4 kW home wallbox charger, a full charge takes 8–10 hours overnight. If you are on a dedicated EV tariff with off-peak rates as low as 7p–12p/kWh, a full charge could cost as little as £5–£9.

The biggest electricity users in a typical UK home are: electric showers (7,000–10,500W), immersion heaters (3,000W), tumble dryers (2,500W), electric ovens (2,000–2,200W), dishwashers (1,200–2,400W), and washing machines (800–2,000W). Heating and hot water accounts for the largest share of energy bills overall, followed by washing appliances and cooking.

The most effective ways to reduce your electricity bill in the UK include: switching to a cheaper tariff or smart meter tariff with off-peak rates; washing clothes at 30°C instead of 60°C; using appliances during off-peak hours; replacing old appliances with A-rated energy-efficient models; switching to LED lighting; and avoiding leaving devices on standby. A smart meter lets you track usage in real time and identify the biggest cost drivers.

A kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the standard unit of energy used for electricity billing. One kWh is the energy consumed by a 1,000W device running for exactly 1 hour. To calculate the cost, multiply the number of kWh consumed by your unit rate (e.g. 24.5p). So 4 kWh × 24.5p = 98p. Your electricity bill is simply the total kWh used multiplied by your tariff rate, plus the daily standing charge.

A standing charge is a fixed daily fee that electricity suppliers charge regardless of how much electricity you use. It covers the cost of maintaining your connection to the grid and supplier administrative costs. In the UK in 2026, the average electricity standing charge is around 53p per day, which adds roughly £16 per month or £193 per year to your bill before any units are consumed.