What does one kilowatt-hour (kWh) represent?

One kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a measure of energy that represents the use of one kilowatt of electrical power over a period of one hour. This unit is commonly used by utility companies to bill customers for their electricity usage. When you consume electricity, the rate is typically calculated based on how many kilowatts you use over time.

For example, if an appliance operates at a power level of one kilowatt and runs continuously for one hour, it will consume one kilowatt-hour of energy. This helps to quantify energy consumption in a way that reflects both the power drawn (in kilowatts) and the duration of that usage (in hours), which is vital for understanding energy costs and consumption patterns in residential and commercial settings.

This definition highlights the relationship between power, time, and energy, emphasizing that a kilowatt-hour is specifically a measurement linked to a full hour of usage at the kilowatt level.