How much does it cost to run a broadband router?
A broadband router typically draws about 10 W. At the current Ofgem price-cap electricity rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 24-hour use costs about 6.3p, and one hour costs roughly 0.3p.
Broadband router running cost: ~0.01 kWh per hour β 0.3p/hour. A typical 24-hour use β 6.3p at 26.11p/kWh.
Broadband router running-cost calculator
A broadband router draws about 10 W. Set how long you run it and we apply the current Ofgem electricity unit rate of 26.11p/kWh.
Cost to run for 24 hours
6.3p
Uses 0.24 kWh at 26.11p/kWh.
- Per day
- 6.3p
- Per week
- 43.9p
- Per year
- Β£22.87
Per-day/week/year figures assume one 24-hour run each day. Wattage is typical/indicative β your model may differ.
How the cost is worked out
- Wattage: a broadband router draws about 10 W.
- Convert to kW: 10 Γ· 1,000 = 0.01 kW.
- Multiply by hours: 0.01 kW Γ 24 h = 0.24 kWh.
- Multiply by the unit rate: 0.24 kWh Γ 26.11p β 6.3p.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a broadband router?
A broadband router draws about 10 W. At the Ofgem cap rate of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026), a typical 24-hour use costs roughly 6.3p, and one hour costs about 0.3p.
How much electricity does a broadband router use per hour?
At 10 W, a broadband router uses about 0.01 kWh per hour, which is roughly 0.3p at the current cap rate.
Running costs for other appliances
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Wattage (10 W) is typical/indicative β your model may differ. Source: Heatable β How much energy do appliances use (typical ratings; draws on Energy Saving Trust / Centre for Sustainable Energy). Electricity unit rate from Ofgem β Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (cap period 1 July to 30 September 2026, fetched 2026-06-18). Ofgem figures Β© Ofgem, Open Government Licence v3.0. Appliance wattages are typical/indicative, not measured. Ofgem.