Cost to Run a Cable / Satellite Box in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 35.3¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 88% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a cable / satellite box here costs $5.15 per month.
Per hour
0.7¢
at 15–30 W
Per day
$0.17
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$5.15
15 kWh
Per year
$61.85
175 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 8.5¢ | $2.58 | $30.92 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.17 | $5.15 | $61.85 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.34 | $10.30 | $124 |
California vs. the rest of the country
Monthly cost at typical usage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a cable / satellite box in California?
At California's current average residential rate of 35.3¢/kWh (April 2026), a cable / satellite box with typical usage costs about $0.17 per day, $5.15 per month, or $61.85 per year.
Is running a cable / satellite box in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 88% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $5.15 per month here versus $2.74 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 35.3¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.