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Practical examples
Energy Glossary
kWh (Kilowatt-hour)
The standard unit of measurement for energy consumption.
What is a kWh?
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the standard unit for measuring energy consumption. It represents the amount of energy used by a 1,000-watt appliance running for one hour.
Practical examples
- A 100W light bulb on for 10 hours = 1 kWh
- A 2kW electric heater on for 30 minutes = 1 kWh
- A 3kW oven on for 20 minutes = 1 kWh
Typical business usage
Annual consumption varies hugely by business type:
- Small office: 5,000-20,000 kWh
- Small retail shop: 10,000-30,000 kWh
- Restaurant/café: 25,000-100,000 kWh
- Small manufacturing: 50,000-200,000+ kWh
On your bill
Your energy bill shows:
- Total kWh used
- Price per kWh (unit rate)
- Total energy cost
Understanding your kWh usage helps compare tariffs accurately.
- A 2kW electric heater on for 30 minutes = 1 kWh
- A 3kW oven on for 20 minutes = 1 kWh
Typical business usage
Annual consumption varies hugely by business type:
- Small office: 5,000-20,000 kWh
- Small retail shop: 10,000-30,000 kWh
- Restaurant/café: 25,000-100,000 kWh
- Small manufacturing: 50,000-200,000+ kWh
On your bill
Your energy bill shows:
- Total kWh used
- Price per kWh (unit rate)
- Total energy cost
Understanding your kWh usage helps compare tariffs accurately.
- Total energy cost
- Price per kWh (unit rate)
- Total kWh used
- Small manufacturing: 50,000-200,000+ kWh
- Restaurant/café: 25,000-100,000 kWh
- Small retail shop: 10,000-30,000 kWh
- Small office: 5,000-20,000 kWh
- A 3kW oven on for 20 minutes = 1 kWh
Related Terms
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