How Much Does an LED Light Bulb Cost to Run?
LED Light Bulb running cost: about 0.21p per hour, or £3.83 a year with 35 hours a week, at the 26.32p per kWh Ofgem price cap.
| Per day (average) | 1.1p |
|---|---|
| Per week | 7.4p |
| Per month | £0.32 |
| Per year | £3.83 |
| Energy used per year | 15 kWh |
How we worked out the cost
We use a typical figure of 0.008 kWh per hour for a typical 8 W LED bulb. At 26.32p per kWh, that is 0.008 × 26.32p = 0.21p. Over a week of 35 hours it is 7.4p, and over a year £3.83.
These are typical estimates rather than lab measurements. Your appliance may use more or less, so adjust the kWh in the calculator for your own.
LED Light Bulb cost at different electricity prices
| Electricity price | Per hour | Per year (35 hours a week) |
|---|---|---|
| 20p per kWh | 0.16p | £2.91 |
| 25p per kWh | 0.20p | £3.64 |
| 26.32p per kWh (Ofgem cap) | 0.21p | £3.83 |
| 30p per kWh | 0.24p | £4.37 |
| 35p per kWh | 0.28p | £5.10 |
| 40p per kWh | 0.32p | £5.82 |
How to reduce the cost
- LED bulbs use about 80% less energy than the old incandescent bulbs they replace.
- Swap old bulbs for LEDs, which use far less than halogen or incandescent bulbs.
- Run appliances at the lowest effective settings.
How does it compare?
| Appliance | Cost per use | Typical use | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hairdryer | 7.9p per 10-minute use | 7 uses/week | £28.74 |
| Vacuum Cleaner | £0.11 per 20-minute use | 2 uses/week | £10.95 |
| Phone Charger | 0.26p per full charge | 7 charges/week | £0.96 |
| Toaster | 1.3p per use | 14 uses/week | £9.58 |
| Laptop | 1.3p per hour | 20 hours/week | £13.69 |
| Microwave | 2.6p per 5-minute use | 14 uses/week | £19.16 |
Based on the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh for 1 October to 31 December 2026. Ofgem states these figures do not include VAT from 1 October 2026 to 31 March 2027, because the Government has removed VAT from electricity bills for that period. The standing charge is not included. Source: Ofgem.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an lED Light Bulb cost to run per hour?
At the Ofgem price cap of 26.32p per kWh, a typical lED Light Bulb costs about 0.21p per hour, using around 0.008 kWh (a typical 8 W LED bulb).
How much does an lED Light Bulb cost to run for a year?
With 35 hours a week, it costs about £3.83 a year (£0.32 a month), using about 15 kWh. Change the numbers in the calculator above to match how you use yours.
Is the price cap the rate I actually pay?
Not necessarily. The cap is an average limit on default tariffs. Your own rate depends on your supplier, region and tariff, so check your bill and use the calculator to see the cost at your rate. Doubling the rate doubles the cost.
How accurate are these figures?
They are estimates for a typical modern appliance. Age, model, settings and how you use it all change the real cost, so treat them as a guide and check your appliance’s energy label for a precise figure.
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Figures are for the 2026/27 tax year from official sources and are estimates for guidance only, not financial or legal advice. Printed from ukanswers.co.uk.