How much does a television cost to run?
This worked example uses 120 W, 5 hours on each use day and 365 use days per year. Change any of these inputs in the calculator.
219 kWh/year · 0.60 kWh per use day
Electricity-price sensitivity
| Electricity price | Energy/use day | Annual energy | Annual cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15p/kWh | 0.60 kWh/day when used | 219 kWh/year | £33/yr |
| 25p/kWh | 0.60 kWh/day when used | 219 kWh/year | £55/yr |
| 35p/kWh | 0.60 kWh/day when used | 219 kWh/year | £77/yr |
Important assumption
TV power varies with panel size, technology, brightness and picture mode.
What changes television electricity use?
Television power varies with screen size, display technology, brightness, HDR content and picture mode. Energy-saving settings can reduce consumption, while very bright modes can raise it. Standby demand is usually far below active viewing power but still varies by model.
Make this estimate more realistic
Use the energy-label annual figure if it reflects your viewing pattern, or measure active power in your normal picture mode. Then multiply by realistic daily viewing hours. If comparing a replacement TV, the annual electricity difference is usually more useful than the rated maximum power.
Electricity prices change, so the 15p, 25p and 35p/kWh rows are sensitivity examples rather than a current-tariff claim. Use the linked calculator with the unit rate shown on your own bill before relying on the annual cost.