What is the average electricity consumption in a household?

Since last year, Czech households and businesses have felt a wave of price rises. Unfortunately, electricity consumption has also gone up. If you are wondering why, there are several reasons, but one of them was the introduction of measures linked to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also have to accept that the conflict in Ukraine is pushing prices around. You may be thinking of building a home wind turbine, but now the question is a different one.

What can you do about it? What will average electricity consumption be? And how can you cope with rising prices?

Climate change has had a big impact on energy prices.

Why is the price of electricity rising?

The European Union faces problems with climate change and energy supplies. On top of that, the conflict in Ukraine has intensified debates about the need to diversify suppliers and secure independence for the EU. More importantly, we are also tackling environmental protection with greater determination.
So the price of electricity is affected not only by war or the pandemic, but also by the large-scale introduction of emission allowances and the closure of nuclear power plants.

Another major milestone was the collapse of Bohemia Energy, which shook not only our nerves but also the market. Already during the pandemic, power companies were buying energy at a higher regulated price, and then price lists were updated. The final twist came when customers had to find new suppliers and were shocked by the amount they were billed for electricity.

Is it even worth trying to search through the huge pond of tariffs and offers that the energy market currently provides? Our advice is: keep going and read on.

Choosing a supplier

Electricity consumption is not only about the supplier. A significant part of the price, the regulated component, is set by the Energy Regulatory Office (Energetický regulační úřad). However, the unregulated component of electricity is influenced by the suppliers themselves, which is why the final price for the customer varies. There is a huge number of supplier offers. If you wanted to compare all the options, you would spend long hours searching and comparing. A few clicks are all it takes. You can use an online electricity calculator, where you fill in a few basic details. Many factors affect electricity consumption. The key ones are:

• how many people share the household
• the size of the flat or house
• using electricity for cooking
• using electricity for heating water or the home

Based on this information, the calculator will offer you the best supplier. Don’t be afraid to do it. In some cases, you could save thousands.

Distribution rate

Do you want to check that your distribution rate is the ideal one? You are assigned to a distribution rate when you apply for a new electricity connection. If you registered your supply point back in the last century, it would be worth checking the current situation.

If you want to save money, you need to focus on your appliances.

Our dependence on electricity is growing

In general, electricity consumption is not falling, because we have more and more electrical appliances. The list is truly endless. Don’t believe it? Let’s start:

• Television
• Radio
• Dishwasher
• Washing machine
• Air conditioning
• Smartphone
• Tablet
• Computer
• Router, headphones, speakers
• Dehumidifier and air purifier
• Fridge, cooker, oven, microwave, vacuum cleaner, water heater
• Kettle, coffee machine, blender, food processor
• We could go on for a long time.

What is more, completely new ways of increasing electricity consumption are appearing. For example, a modern gas boiler, a heat pump and electric cars, which are becoming an integral part of households. So don’t expect electricity consumption to fall in the future, even though appliances and lights are becoming ever more efficient.

What has the biggest impact on electricity consumption?

The biggest housing costs are heating and hot water. Households with an electric water heater, electric heating (whether underfloor or even in the form of direct electric heaters) and an electric cooker therefore have significantly higher electricity bills.

On average, a household in the Czech Republic uses around 3 MWh of electricity a year.

It is the appliances used that determine which supply tariff a household falls into, and for each tariff the average consumption is then a more accurate figure. So rather than floor area (unless the building is heated by electricity), what matters is how the property is equipped. Of course, the number of people in the household also plays a role.

So if you only use electricity for lighting and powering ordinary appliances, your consumption will be around 2 MWh a year.

On the other hand, if you want to use electricity to heat water or your home, your consumption is likely to be many times higher. In that case, it pays to switch to a distribution rate with a low tariff, which lets you draw electricity at a more favourable rate.

If you are counting to ten right now to calm down, why not read our article about the most expensive houses in the world, or on how to deal with negative emotions, in the meantime.