Electricity - Glossary
Electricity consumption
The amount of electrical energy used by a household or business, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
Electricity consumption refers to the amount of electrical energy used, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). The average consumption of a Finnish household varies considerably by housing type: a flat in an apartment building uses 1,500-3,000 kWh, a terraced house 3,000-8,000 kWh and a detached house 5,000-25,000 kWh per year.
Consumption is particularly affected by the heating method (electric heating multiplies usage), household size, appliance efficiency and habits. Home charging of an electric car typically adds 3,000-5,000 kWh per year.
Knowing your own consumption is important when choosing a contract. For high-usage homes the margin and kWh price are paramount, while for low-usage homes the monthly fee and basic fee matter relatively more.
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Related concepts
Kilowatt-hour (kWh)
The unit of electrical energy. One kilowatt-hour equals one hour of use of a 1,000-watt appliance.
Electricity transmission charge
The fee charged by the network company for transmitting electricity from the power plant to your home. The network company cannot be chosen.
Spot-priced electricity
An electricity contract where the price varies by the hour according to the spot price on the Nord Pool power exchange.
Frequently asked questions
How much electricity does a Finn use?
About 5,000 kWh per year on average. A flat dweller uses around 2,000 kWh, while a detached house with electric heating can use up to 20,000-25,000 kWh.
How do I monitor my own electricity consumption?
Your smart meter records usage hour by hour. Your supplier's app or online service shows consumption in near real time.
What uses the most electricity at home?
Electric heating uses the most (60-70% of total). Without electric heating, the biggest users are the water heater, the sauna stove, the cooker and the fridge/freezer.