How to Calculate Electricity Costs at Home Easily and Accurately

Kapanlagi.com - Calculating electricity costs is an important step in managing household expenses as well as for businesses. By understanding how to calculate it, we can control energy usage and identify devices that consume a lot of electricity.

This process generally involves calculating the wattage of each device used, the duration of usage, and the applicable electricity rate per kWh. With this information, we can estimate the total monthly electricity costs and take efficient steps to reduce expenses.

Let’s learn more about how to accurately and simply calculate electricity costs.

1. Understanding the Importance of Calculating Household Electricity Costs

Understanding the Importance of Calculating Household Electricity Costs (c) AI Illustration

Electricity is a primary need that cannot be separated from daily life. Every household requires electrical energy for various purposes, ranging from lighting, cooking, to operating electronic devices. Therefore, understanding how to calculate electricity costs becomes an important skill for managing household finances.

By knowing how to accurately calculate electricity costs, you can estimate monthly expenses and identify opportunities for savings. Accurate calculations help you control energy consumption so that bills do not inflate at the end of the month.

The determination of electricity rates refers to the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Regulation Number 7 of 2024 concerning Electricity Rates Provided by PT PLN (Persero). Every quarter, rates may be adjusted based on macroeconomic parameters such as exchange rates, inflation, and coal prices, although for early 2026 the government has decided to keep rates stable.

2. Understanding PLN Electricity Tariff Groups

Understanding PLN Electricity Tariff Groups (c) AI Illustration

The first step in how to calculate electricity costs is to understand the tariff category applicable to your home. Electricity tariffs in Indonesia are differentiated based on power categories and types of usage, which determine the cost per kilowatt hour (kWh) that customers must pay.

PLN electricity tariffs for both prepaid and postpaid customers refer to the same amounts according to the power category. The difference is that prepaid customers must purchase electricity tokens to input into the meter, while postpaid customers pay the bill after using electricity over a certain period.

Here are the details of the household electricity tariff categories applicable at the beginning of 2026:

Subsidized Household Category

Households with 450 VA are charged a tariff of Rp 415 per kWh, while subsidized households with 900 VA are charged Rp 605 per kWh. This subsidy is provided to customers registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Non-Subsidized Household Category

For capable households, the applicable tariffs are:

• R-1/TR 900 VA (RTM): Rp 1,352 per kWh
• R-1/TR 1,300 VA: Rp 1,444.70 per kWh
• R-1/TR 2,200 VA: Rp 1,444.70 per kWh
• R-2/TR 3,500–5,500 VA: Rp 1,699.53 per kWh
• R-3/TR 6,600 VA and above: Rp 1,699.53 per kWh

Knowing your household's electricity tariff category is very important as it will be the basis for calculating your monthly electricity costs. This information can be found on your electricity bill or through the PLN Mobile application.

3. Steps to Calculate Electricity Costs

Steps to Calculate Electricity Costs (c) AI Illustration

After determining the tariff group, you can start estimating the household electricity costs. Here are the systematic steps that need to be taken:

1. Create a List of Electronic Appliances

The first step in calculating electricity costs is to list all the electronic appliances used at home along with their power consumption in watts. The power consumption is usually indicated on the device label or in the manual.

Example list of electronic appliances:

• Refrigerator: 350 watts
• Air Conditioner: 800 watts
• Television: 100 watts
• Washing Machine: 350 watts
• LED Lights (10 units): 10 watts per light
• Rice Cooker: 350 watts
• Iron: 300 watts

2. Estimate Daily Usage Duration

Each appliance has a different usage duration. The refrigerator runs 24 hours, while the lights may only be on for 12 hours a day. Record the estimated usage time for each appliance for accurate calculations.

Example of estimated usage duration:

• Refrigerator: 24 hours/day
• Air Conditioner: 8 hours/day
• Television: 5 hours/day
• Washing Machine: 1 hour/day
• LED Lights: 12 hours/day
• Rice Cooker: 2 hours/day
• Iron: 1 hour/day

3. Calculating Daily Electricity Consumption (Watt-Hour)

Electricity consumption is calculated based on the power (watts) used by the device or machine and the duration of time the device operates. The basic formula for calculating electricity consumption is: Energy (Wh) = Device Power (W) × Usage Time (hours).

Example calculations for each appliance:

• Refrigerator: 350 watts × 24 hours = 8,400 Wh
• AC: 800 watts × 8 hours = 6,400 Wh
• Television: 100 watts × 5 hours = 500 Wh
• Washing machine: 350 watts × 1 hour = 350 Wh
• LED light: 10 watts × 10 lights × 12 hours = 1,200 Wh
• Rice cooker: 350 watts × 2 hours = 700 Wh
• Iron: 300 watts × 1 hour = 300 Wh

4.Converting to Kilowatt-Hour (kWh)

The total daily consumption in the example above is 17,850 Wh. To convert to kWh, divide that number by 1,000:

17,850 Wh ÷ 1,000 = 17.85 kWh per day

5.Calculating Daily Electricity Costs

Electricity costs are calculated by multiplying electricity consumption (kWh) by the applicable electricity rate according to the tariff category used. The formula is: Electricity Cost = Electricity Consumption (kWh) × Electricity Rate (Rp/kWh).

For example, for the 1,300 VA category with a rate of Rp 1,444.70 per kWh:

17.85 kWh × Rp 1,444.70 = Rp 25,787.90 per day

6.Calculating Monthly Electricity Costs

To calculate monthly costs, multiply the daily cost by 30 days:

Rp 25,787.90 × 30 days = Rp 773,637 per month

It is important to note that this is a rough estimate. The actual bill may vary due to additional charges such as Street Lighting Tax (PPJ) and administrative fees.

4. Practical Formula for Calculating Electricity Costs

Practical Formula for Calculating Electricity Costs (c) AI Illustration

To facilitate understanding, here is the complete formula for calculating electricity costs that you can use:

Basic Formula

Using the formula kWh = (watts x hours) : 1,000. For example, if you have an air conditioner (AC) of 400 watts that runs for 10 hours every day, the calculation is: kWh = (400 x 10) : 1,000 = 4 kWh.

Complete Formula for Monthly Calculation

1. Calculate daily consumption for each appliance:
   Consumption (Wh) = Power (Watts) × Usage Hours
2. Add up all daily consumption:
   Total Daily Consumption (Wh) = Σ Consumption of Each Appliance
3. Convert to kWh:
   Total Daily kWh = Total Wh ÷ 1,000
4. Calculate daily cost:
   Daily Cost = Total kWh × Rate per kWh
5. Calculate monthly cost:
   Monthly Cost = Daily Cost × 30 days

Simple Calculation Example

Suppose you have a house with a capacity of 900 VA and use:

• 5 LED lights of 10 watts running for 12 hours: (5 × 10 × 12) = 600 Wh
• 1 refrigerator of 350 watts running for 24 hours: (350 × 24) = 8,400 Wh
• 1 TV of 80 watts running for 5 hours: (80 × 5) = 400 Wh

Total daily: 600 + 8,400 + 400 = 9,400 Wh = 9.4 kWh

With a rate of Rp 1,352 per kWh (900 VA RTM):

Daily cost: 9.4 kWh × Rp 1,352 = Rp 12,708.80

Monthly cost: Rp 12,708.80 × 30 = Rp 381,264

5. How to Calculate Postpaid Electricity Costs

How to Calculate Postpaid Electricity Costs (c) AI Illustration

Postpaid electricity customers can calculate their bills in the same way as above. However, there are several additional components that need to be considered in the postpaid bill.

Components of Postpaid Bill

The postpaid electricity bill consists of several components:

1. Usage Charge: The amount of kWh used multiplied by the rate per kWh
2. Load/Subcription Fee: The minimum fee that must be paid by each postpaid electricity customer of PLN. The amount of this subscription fee is based on the tariff group
3. Street Lighting Tax (PPJ): Usually 3-10% of the bill, depending on the area
4. Stamp Duty: Rp 10,000 for bills ≥ Rp 5 million or Rp 3,000 for bills ≥ Rp 250 thousand

How to Check Postpaid Bill

Through the self-meter reading feature available in the PLN Mobile application, customers can know the estimated electricity usage each month, before the official bill is issued. Self-meter readings can be done between the 23rd and 27th of each month.

Steps to use the Meter Reading feature in PLN Mobile:

1. Open the PLN Mobile application
2. Select the "Meter Reading" menu
3. Enter the meter reading displayed on the kWh meter
4. Take a clear photo of the electricity meter
5. Click "Send"
6. The estimated bill amount will appear

6. Tips for Saving Household Electricity Costs

Tips for Saving Household Electricity Costs (c) AI Illustration

After understanding how to calculate electricity costs, the next step is to implement savings strategies to reduce the monthly bill.

1.Use Energy-Efficient Appliances

Replace old appliances with those that have energy-saving labels. LED lights consume much lower power compared to conventional incandescent bulbs. Refrigerators and air conditioners with inverter technology are also more efficient in electricity usage.

2.Turn Off Unused Appliances

Unplug electronic devices that are not in use. Appliances in standby mode still consume electricity even when not actively used; this phenomenon is called vampire power.

3.Set the AC Temperature Wisely

Air Conditioners (AC) are the largest contributors to household electricity bills (can account for 40-60% of the total bill). A temperature of 24-25 degrees Celsius is comfortable enough for a tropical climate and much more energy-efficient compared to a temperature of 18 degrees. Also, ensure that the AC filter is cleaned regularly every 3 months so that the compressor does not work too hard.

4. Utilize Natural Light

Maximize natural lighting during the day to reduce the use of lamps. Open windows and curtains to let sunlight into the room.

5. Perform Routine Maintenance on Equipment

Well-maintained equipment operates more efficiently. Clean the AC, refrigerator, and fan filters regularly so they do not require extra power to operate.

6. Use Timers for Certain Equipment

Install timers on equipment such as water heaters or garden lights so they do not stay on all the time. This helps control the duration of use and saves electricity.

7. Monitor Electricity Consumption Regularly

Regularly record the meter to monitor electricity consumption patterns. By periodically calculating electricity costs, you can identify abnormal spikes in usage and take corrective action immediately.

7. How to Calculate Electricity Costs Using an App

How to Calculate Electricity Costs Using an Application (c) AI Illustration

In addition to manual calculations, you can use various apps to make it easier to calculate electricity costs.

PLN Mobile App

PLN Mobile is the official app from PLN that provides various features, including electricity cost simulation. This feature allows you to calculate the estimated bill based on the usage you input.

How to use the simulation feature in PLN Mobile:

1. Download the PLN Mobile app from the Play Store or App Store
2. Register and log in with your account
3. Select the "Cost Simulation" menu
4. Enter the tariff group and estimated kWh usage
5. The app will display the estimated bill

Online PLN Calculator

PLN also provides an online electricity tariff calculator on its official website. You can access this calculator to estimate costs based on kWh consumption and tariff group.

Third-Party Apps

Several third-party apps also offer electricity calculator features that can help you calculate electricity costs in more detail, including consumption analysis per appliance.

8. FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about How to Calculate Electricity Costs

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about How to Calculate Electricity Costs (credit:unsplash.com/id/@iamateapot)

1. How do I calculate electricity costs if I don't know the power of each appliance?

You can find the power of the appliance on the label that is usually located on the back or bottom of the device. If there isn't one, check the manual or search for the product specifications online using the brand and model of the device.

2. Are prepaid and postpaid electricity rates different?

No, the rate per kWh for prepaid and postpaid electricity is the same according to the power category. The difference lies only in the payment system, where prepaid pays in advance with a token, while postpaid pays after usage.

3. Why has my electricity bill increased even though my usage is the same?

Several factors that can cause an increase in the bill include: old and inefficient appliances, electrical leaks, inaccurate meters, or adjustments in rates from PLN. Regularly check the meter and appliances.

4. What is the minimum electricity cost for postpaid customers?

Minimum billing applied (RM): RM1 = 40 (hours on) x Connected power (kVA) x Usage cost. For example, for 900 VA, the minimum cost is around Rp 48,672 (36 kWh), for 1300 VA around Rp 75,124 (52 kWh).

5. How to calculate electricity costs for AC?

Use the formula: (AC power in watts × Hours of use per day) ÷ 1,000 = kWh per day. Then multiply by the electricity rate per kWh according to your category. For example, an 800-watt AC used for 8 hours: (800 × 8) ÷ 1,000 = 6.4 kWh per day.

6. Is there a quick way to calculate electricity costs without counting each appliance?

You can check the meter reading at the beginning and end of the month, then calculate the difference to get the total monthly kWh consumption. Multiply by the rate per kWh to get an estimated bill. However, this method does not provide details of consumption per appliance.

7. How to know if my electricity meter is accurate?

You can do a simple test by turning off all electrical appliances in the house and observing whether the meter still spins. If it still spins, there may be an electricity leak or the meter is inaccurate. Contact PLN for further inspection.

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(kpl/vna)