Electricity Cost Calculator
Find out how much your household appliances cost to run and calculate the electricity units (kWh) consumed per day, month and year.
Reflects EPRA domestic electricity tariff benchmarks. Pass-through charges (Fuel energy cost, Forex adjustment, 16% VAT) are included in the effective unit rate (~KES 26–34/kWh).
Choose Appliance Preset
Select a common appliance or enter custom specifications below.
W
Check back label of appliance.
hours
days
KES
Includes base rate, fuel surcharge & VAT.
Running Cost: Television
Estimated Monthly Cost
Ksh 465.00
15.00 kWh consumed per month
Power Rating100 Watts
Daily Usage5 hours/day
Hourly Running CostKsh 3.10
Daily Consumption0.50 kWh
Daily CostKsh 15.50
Monthly Consumption15.00 kWh
Estimated Monthly BillKsh 465.00
Annual Estimated CostKsh 5,657.50
How this tool works
Electricity consumption is measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), commonly known in Kenya as "tokens" or "units":
- Formula: (Power in Watts ÷ 1,000) × Hours Used = Units Consumed (kWh).
- Cost: Units Consumed × Tariff Rate per kWh = Estimated Electricity Bill.
- Prepaid Tokens: When you purchase KPLC tokens, deductions are first made for fixed statutory levies and taxes, with the balance converted into kWh units based on your domestic tariff classification.
Frequently asked questions
- How is electricity consumption calculated from watts?
- Electricity is billed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), where 1 kWh is 1,000 watts used continuously for 1 hour. A 2,000-watt instant shower running for 30 minutes (0.5 hours) consumes exactly (2,000 / 1,000) × 0.5 = 1 unit (1 kWh).
- What are the current Kenya Power (KPLC) domestic electricity tariffs?
- Under the EPRA tariff structure, domestic consumers are classified into: Domestic Lifeline (0–30 kWh/month) with a base rate of KES 12.23/kWh; Domestic Ordinary 1 (31–100 kWh/month) at KES 16.45/kWh; and Domestic Ordinary 2 (>100 kWh/month) at KES 19.08/kWh. With statutory pass-through charges (Fuel Energy Cost, Forex Adjustment, EPRA levy, and 16% VAT), the effective rate typically ranges from KES 26 to KES 34 per unit.
- Why do I get fewer prepaid tokens for the same amount of money each month?
- Prepaid token purchases fluctuate monthly because EPRA reviews pass-through surcharges every month (specifically the Fuel Energy Cost Charge and Forex Fluctuation Adjustment). Additionally, your average 3-month consumption determines whether you qualify for the subsidised Lifeline tariff.
- Which household appliances consume the most electricity in Kenya?
- Heating and cooling appliances draw the highest wattage: instant hot shower heads (3,000W–4,500W), electric kettles (1,800W–2,200W), electric cookers/ovens (2,000W–3,000W), and steam irons (1,000W–1,500W). Refrigerators and Wi-Fi routers draw lower wattage but run for many hours a day.