What factors affect your kWh cost? Some tips to save
30th September 2022 - By Jason Clemmit
kWh costs refer to your electricity expenses. There are several factors that affect kWh and learning about them can help homeowners become more energy aware and efficient. In this blog, we outline some cost-affecting factors of electricity and three tips on how to save on energy bills.
What factors affect your kWh cost?
Four factors that can affect kWh cost in the UK include:
1. Weather
Severe weather conditions and hot temperatures encourage a rise in electricity consumption. This is because homeowners rely on heating and cooling systems to regulate their homes. As electricity consumption rises, so do your electricity costs.
2. Fuel costs
Electricity relies on fuel to be generated and delivered. This means that kWh costs are directly impacted by the price of fuel in your area. Fuel prices usually increase where there is a high demand for electricity or where extreme weather events cause disruption to fuel transportation and delivery. This makes the cost of generating and delivering electricity higher.
3. Location
Where you live can impact your electricity bill as fuel costs vary from city to city. Fuel is typically cheaper in bigger towns and cities where there is plenty of competition. Remote areas usually have limited supermarket filling stations and competition, making them more expensive.
4. Transmission and distribution
Distribution systems need to be built and maintained for electricity to remain available. Regular maintenance ensures power lines undergo frequent updates and repairs with relay systems frequently installed. These centres also improve cybersecurity measures continuously to safeguard operations. The cost of construction, operation, and maintenance in transmission and distribution centres can affect electricity prices in your area.
Tips on how to save electricity
With the energy price cap increase by £693 in April, many homeowners are worried about their energy consumption and how it affects their cost of living. You can learn more about the energy price cap on Ofgem’s website here. Yet there are certain steps you can take to save on electricity, including:
1. Draught-proof your home
Draught-proof your homes to promote natural insulation and conserve heat. Look for draughts around doors and windows, through chimneys, or in gaps around your floorboards. Draught-proofing your home is extremely important if you live in an old home which is more susceptible to heat loss.
2. Switch off standby
Switch off your electrical appliances at the plug to prevent losing electricity to standby mode. Most appliances can be turned off by the plug without affecting their programming, yet be sure to check manuals just in case. Please note that some satellite and digital TV recorders may need to remain on standby mode if they’re to keep track of programmes you want to record.
3. Swap baths for showers
We all love a good soak in the bath from time to time. However, swapping baths for showers completely can help incur more energy savings. Stick to four-minute showers to save immensely on your energy bills per year. This tip is most applicable to large households.