Cost to Run a Cable / Satellite Box in Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.'s average residential electricity rate is 25.4¢/kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest in the country, 35% above the U.S. average. At typical usage (24 hours/day (always on)), a cable / satellite box here costs $3.71 per month.
Per hour
0.5¢
at 15–30 W
Per day
$0.12
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$3.71
15 kWh
Per year
$44.50
175 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 6.1¢ | $1.85 | $22.25 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | $0.12 | $3.71 | $44.50 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | $0.24 | $7.41 | $89.00 |
Washington, D.C. 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 Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a cable / satellite box with typical usage costs about $0.12 per day, $3.71 per month, or $44.50 per year.
Is running a cable / satellite box in Washington, D.C. more expensive than average?
Yes. Washington, D.C.'s electricity costs about 35% more than the U.S. average, so the same usage costs $3.71 per month here versus $2.74 nationally.
What does electricity cost in Washington, D.C. right now?
Washington, D.C. residents pay an average of 25.4¢ per kWh as of April 2026 — the 42nd cheapest rate of the 51 U.S. jurisdictions we track.