Cost to Run a Security Camera (Wired) 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 security camera (wired) here costs $0.93 per month.
Per hour
0.1¢
at 3–10 W
Per day
3.0¢
24 hours/day (always on)
Per month
$0.93
3.6 kWh
Per year
$11.13
44 kWh
By usage level in Washington, D.C.
| Usage | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light (12 hrs/day) | 1.5¢ | $0.46 | $5.56 |
| Typical (24 hrs/day) | 3.0¢ | $0.93 | $11.13 |
| Heavy (24 hrs/day) | 6.1¢ | $1.85 | $22.25 |
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 security camera (wired) in Washington, D.C.?
At Washington, D.C.'s current average residential rate of 25.4¢/kWh (April 2026), a security camera (wired) with typical usage costs about 3.0¢ per day, $0.93 per month, or $11.13 per year.
Is running a security camera (wired) 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 $0.93 per month here versus $0.69 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.