Understanding the kilowatt-hours on an electricity bill

Here is a straightforward look at this topic for HubCage.

An electricity bill measures energy in kilowatt-hours, which is the energy used by a one-kilowatt appliance running for one hour. A two-kilowatt kettle running for three minutes uses a tenth of a kilowatt-hour, while a fridge running all day uses less power at any moment but adds up over time. Knowing this makes it easier to see where the money goes.

Most bills combine a price per kilowatt-hour with a fixed daily standing charge that is paid regardless of use. Compare your usage month by month, and read the meter yourself if the bill shows estimated readings. A simple plug-in energy monitor reveals which appliances consume the most, often highlighting old freezers, tumble dryers or devices left on standby.