Cost to Run a Cable / Satellite Box in California
California's average residential electricity rate is 33.3¢/kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest in the country, 81% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a cable / satellite box here costs $4.86 per month.
Per hour
0.7¢
at 15–30 W
Per day
$0.16
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$4.86
15 kWh
Per year
$58.34
175 kWh
By usage level in California
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 8.0¢ | $2.43 | $29.17 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.16 | $4.86 | $58.34 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.32 | $9.72 | $117 |
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 33.3¢/kWh (May 2026), a cable / satellite box with typical usage costs about $0.16 per day, $4.86 per month, or $58.34 per year.
Is running a cable / satellite box in California more expensive than average?
Yes. California's electricity costs about 81% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $4.86 per month here versus $2.68 nationally.
What does electricity cost in California right now?
California residents pay an average of 33.3¢ per kWh as of May 2026 — the 50th cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.