1. What is the Energy Cost Calculator?

The Energy Cost Calculator estimates your monthly electricity expenses based on your energy consumption (in kilowatt-hours) and the cost per unit of electricity. It helps consumers understand and predict their electricity bills.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses a simple formula:

Where:

• \( kWh \) — Kilowatt-hours of energy consumed
• \( \text{Cost per kWh} \) — Price you pay per unit of electricity

Explanation: The calculation multiplies your total energy usage by the rate you pay for each unit of electricity to determine your total cost.

3. Importance of Energy Cost Calculation

Details: Understanding your energy costs helps with budgeting, identifying potential savings, and making informed decisions about energy efficiency improvements or tariff switching.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter your monthly kWh usage (found on your electricity bill) and your current cost per kWh (including VAT and standing charges if applicable). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find my kWh usage?
A: Your monthly or quarterly electricity bill will show your consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

Q2: Should I include standing charges?
A: This calculator only computes energy charges. For total bill, you would need to add any fixed standing charges separately.

Q3: What's the average cost per kWh in the UK?
A: As of 2023, typical rates range from £0.24 to £0.34 per kWh, but this varies by supplier and tariff.

Q4: How can I reduce my energy costs?
A: Consider energy-efficient appliances, reducing standby power, improving insulation, and comparing energy tariffs.

Q5: Does this work for business electricity too?
A: Yes, the same calculation applies, though business tariffs often have different rates and structures.