Units

Kilowatt (kW)

A unit of power equal to 1,000 watts — a measure of rate, not total energy.

Definition

A kilowatt (kW) is a unit of power representing the rate of energy use or generation at a moment in time.

Detailed explanation

Demand is measured in kW. Think of kW as the speedometer of electricity — how fast energy is flowing — while kilowatt-hours measure the distance traveled (total energy).

Why it matters

Demand charges are billed per kW, so understanding this unit is essential to reading your bill and managing costs.

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