Electricity cost calculator — monthly and annual

Cost = power (W) × daily hours × days × price per kWh ÷ 1000. Example: 100 W bulb, 8 h/day, 30 days, PLN 0.85/kWh: 100 × 8 × 30 × 0.85 ÷ 1000 = PLN 20.40/month.

For households in Poland the price is approximately 0.70–1.00 PLN/kWh (2026), depending on tariff and supplier. In the G11 (flat rate) tariff the energy unit price is about 0.85–0.92 PLN/kWh. Fixed charges (distribution, transmission, subscription) can add 40–80 PLN/month.

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is the unit of electrical energy used for billing. kWh = power (W) × time (h) ÷ 1000. Example: a 2,000 W kettle for 5 minutes = 2,000 × (5÷60) ÷ 1000 = 0.167 kWh.

Power is stated on the rating label attached to the device or in the instruction manual. For variable-power devices (washing machine, dishwasher), the maximum or nominal power is given. You can also use a plug-in power meter (energy monitor) which shows real-time consumption.

The biggest consumers in a typical Polish home: electric heating or heat pump (3,000–9,000 W), electric water heater (2,000–3,000 W), air conditioning (1,000–3,500 W), washing machine (800–2,200 W), tumble dryer (1,500–3,000 W), electric oven (1,000–3,000 W).

Effective measures: replace bulbs with LED (5–10× less energy), use A+++ appliances, turn off stand-by devices (use a switched power strip), run full loads in the washer and dishwasher, use a lid when cooking, install photovoltaic panels.

A typical flat (3–4 people) uses about 150–300 kWh/month (1,800–3,600 kWh/year). A detached house without electric heating: 250–450 kWh/month. A house with a heat pump: 600–1,500 kWh/month. A studio apartment (single person): 50–120 kWh/month.

G12 (day/night tariff) is worthwhile if you use a lot of energy during off-peak hours (22:00–07:00) and weekends, when electricity is 40–60% cheaper. Ideal for: overnight EV charging, night-time water heating, night-time laundry. The downside is a higher peak-time price and higher fixed charges.

Read the current meter, subtract the previous reading — that is your kWh usage. Multiply by the unit price on the invoice. Add fixed charges (distribution, transmission, subscription, RES levy). Discrepancies may result from estimates rather than actual readings. File a complaint if the difference exceeds 10%.

Business prices are usually negotiated individually and depend on volume, contracted power and tariff group. Indicatively: small businesses pay 0.65–0.85 PLN/kWh, medium-sized companies 0.55–0.75 PLN/kWh. Distribution charges may account for 40–60% of the total invoice.