You’re probably reading this with your most recent electric bill in hand and wondering: what’s a kWh? How many kWh per day is normal for business? And how can I stop spending so much on electricity?
Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Let’s cover the basics of kWh as seen on your energy bill, take a look at some average energy costs for businesses, and talk about how you can get that $$$ number down.
What is kWh?
A kWh is a unit of measurement that quantifies your electricity consumption, representing specifically the kilowatts of power your business uses for one hour. Electric companies use kWh as a measurement for calculating your electricity usage and subsequent charges for your energy bill.
To locate the rate for kWh on your electric bill, look for the section that details your energy usage and charges. This may be labeled as “Supply Charges” or “Electricity Usage.” The rate per kWh should be clearly listed, typically expressed in cents per kWh. This rate is set by your utility company and can vary depending on factors such as time of day, season, or specific pricing plans.
How many kWh per day is normal for a business?
Determining the average kWh usage per day for a business depends on your industry, business size, and location. For instance, small businesses typically have lower energy consumption and, consequently, lower monthly bills compared to larger enterprises. While there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we can explore general averages based on available data.
In 2019, the average monthly electricity bill for commercial properties in the United States was approximately $647.61. In some states, such as Texas and Illinois, commercial properties spent around $600 to $620 per month on electricity, while businesses in Pennsylvania paid an average of $407 per month during the same period.
But if you want more specific insights into your specific industry or area, you should consider asking businesses nearby or within your industry to benchmark your costs against theirs. By networking with neighboring businesses or industry peers, you can gather information about their energy usage patterns, average bills, and cost-saving strategies.
How to reduce your business’s kWh
If you want to reduce the kilowatt-hour usage of your business, start with an energy audit of your facility to identify areas of high consumption and inefficiency. While you can tackle some common issues businesses face even without your energy data—like inefficient operations and outdated equipment—without knowing the underlying issues you would just be treating the symptom instead of the root problems.
You can start by investing in a smart meter, which you can install easily and get live data on your facility’s energy usage. This is called energy data, and these numbers will give you much clearer insights into how your energy is used and where it’s being wasted. Electripure’s CleanPQ is a smart meter that’s non-invasive and doubles as an energy filter to clean up harmonics in your electricity, meaning you could save up to 20% on your energy bill right off the bat.
Contact us today and we’ll come out for free to inspect your facility and set you on the path to saving money each month on your power bill. It’s time to start getting your money’s worth out of the power you pay for.