1 unit of electricity is an important parameter for understanding the energy consumption by the electrical load. A Watt (W) is the standard unit of power or load. The watt(W) is the rate of energy transfer over a unit of time.
1 kW =1000 W.
When a 1 kW load is running for 1 hour time, the amount of power consumed by the load is called 1 unit of electricity.
1 unit electricity = 1kW x 1 hour = 1 kWh (kilowatt hour)
Calculation of Electricity consumption:
By understanding 1 unit of electricity, you can calculate the maximum electricity consumption of your home. First, you need to calculate the total connected load in your home. The Watt rating is mentioned in every home electrical appliance. After adding all the ratings, you will get the total load of your home.
Suppose, the total connected load of your house is 1800 watts. If you run all the load on a continuous basis, your daily electricity consumption will be
Daily electricity consumption =1800 W X24 hours = 1.8kW x 24 hour=43.2 kWh=43.2 units.
In practice, home electrical appliances are not running on a continuous basis. Based on the actual uses, suppose the average load is 1200W.
Daily electricity consumption =1200Wx24 hours = 1.2kWx24hour=28.8kWh= 28.8 Units.
Hence, monthly electricity consumption = 28.8 units x 30 days= 864 units.
Actual electricity consumption is always available in the electricity bill.
Calculation of Electricity Bill:
Electricity bills completely depend on the total consumption of electricity for the particular month and the unit rate of electric charge.
Electricity bill amount = Total units x price per unit.
Electricity bills are usually calculated based on the number of units used during a billing period.
The cost of one unit of electricity can vary depending on the time of day, the season, and the electricity provider.
Appliances with higher wattage consume more electricity and can use up more units in a shorter period of time.
To reduce your electricity consumption, you can try using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and using natural light and ventilation instead of artificial lighting and air conditioning.
It’s a good idea to monitor your electricity usage regularly and keep track of your bills to identify any unusual spikes in consumption. This can help you identify areas where you can reduce your usage and save money.
The consumption of electricity is completely depending on the uses of the electrical appliances, however, the unit charge can vary based on the demand load and actual consumption.
Per or 1 unit electricity cost is always available in the electricity bill. The approximate cost per unit of electricity is Rs. 5 to 10 and it also varies from state to state. You can verify your electricity bill by yourself.
1 unit of Electricity cost
According to a state-wise electricity tariff comparison1, the cost of one unit of electricity in different states of India varies. Here are some examples of the cost of one unit of electricity in a few states:
Maharashtra: ₹4.76 – ₹9.63 per unit1
Tamil Nadu: ₹4.40 – ₹9.50 per unit1
Delhi: ₹4.00 – ₹8.75 per unit1
Gujarat: ₹4.95 – ₹10.00 per unit2
Uttar Pradesh: ₹3.75 – ₹8.60 per unit1
The cost of electricity can also vary depending on the electricity provider and the tariff plan chosen by the consumer.
Some states offer subsidies and discounts on electricity tariffs for certain categories of consumers, such as low-income households, farmers, and small businesses.
In some states, the cost of electricity is higher during peak hours (usually in the evening) and lower during off-peak hours (usually at night). This is known as time-of-use pricing.
Consumers can reduce their electricity bills by using energy-efficient appliances, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, and avoiding the use of high-energy appliances during peak hours.
It’s a good idea to compare electricity tariffs and plans offered by different providers to find the one that best suits your needs and budget. You can also consider renewable energy options such as solar power to reduce your dependence on grid electricity and save money in the long run.