From July 1, UK households will see a 13% increase in gas and electricity prices imposed by energy regulator Ofgem, making television operation more expensive. According to USwitch, an average TV running for four hours and 30 minutes daily costs 12p per day, amounting to £42.89 annually. This figure excludes supplementary equipment like set-top boxes, soundbars, or games consoles, and does not include the TV Licence fee, which rose to £15 per month in April.
Viewing Habits and Power Consumption
Broadcasting regulator Ofcom reports that the average UK adult watches television for four hours and 31 minutes each day, though this varies by age: those over 65 watch six hours daily, while young adults manage only 53 minutes. Televisions typically consume between 40W and 200W when switched on, depending on model, size, and settings. For example, a budget 32-inch LCD TV uses far less power than a 77-inch OLED streaming 4K content at maximum brightness.
Factors Affecting TV Running Costs
USwitch explains that several factors determine electricity usage: type (LED, OLED, QLED), age (newer models are more efficient), size (larger screens consume more), settings (brightness and other adjustments), and usage duration. TVs are rated for energy efficiency on a scale from A to G, with many falling into E-G categories, considered poor. USwitch advises: "If you're buying a new TV, think about the size and type of screen you choose. An energy-efficient 32-inch LCD will typically use half the power of a model with a 42-inch plasma screen."
Additional Costs and Comparisons
The 12p daily cost and £42.89 annual figure do not account for extra devices such as Sky boxes, surround sound systems, DVD/Blu-ray players, or games consoles. Larger than average TVs will incur higher charges. Compared to other household appliances, USwitch notes: "Compared with other household appliances, such as tumble dryers and fridges, televisions don't use that much electricity. But they can be the biggest energy guzzlers of your entertainment equipment, particularly if they're large."
