Definition

What Is the Difference Between kW and kWh?

What is the difference between kW and kWh? kW (kilowatt) is the unit of instantaneous power; it shows how much load is being drawn at a given moment. kWh (kilowatt-hour) is the unit of energy; it expresses the total amount of electricity consumed or produced over a given period. Formula: Energy (kWh) = Power (kW) × Time (hours). Electricity bills are based on kWh; contracted power and demand items relate to kW.

Why it matters

In energy management, confusing kW and kWh leads to wrong savings targets and incorrect invoice interpretation. A "100 kW motor" describes power capacity; "10,000 kWh monthly consumption" describes period energy. Peak load (demand) is measured in kW; hourly average power and 15-minute peak values in the OSOS profile require different decisions. GES capacity is expressed in kWp (installed power); production output is reported in kWh. The SKTT limit (industrial 15,000 kWh/year) is in energy units; contracted power revision is in kW.

Impact on the bill

On distribution invoices, active energy charge is calculated on kWh consumption. When contracted power (kW) is exceeded, power excess charges and demand (peak demand) items apply; these are independent of the kWh unit price. In reactive penalty calculation, active kWh is the denominator and reactive kVArh is the numerator — power factor reflects the kW/kVAr relationship. On free consumer invoices, PTF+YEKDEM components apply per kWh. Unit cost (TL/kWh) based on kWh alone can hide demand and reactive items.

How ENOPTIMAL tracks it

The ENOPTIMAL OSOS module shows peak load and demand risk alongside the hourly kWh profile. In consumption management, kWh trend, unit price, and contracted power (kW) are monitored on the same panel per subscriber. The GES production module reports inverter output in kWh; installed capacity (kWp) is kept separately in inventory. The reactive penalty calculator offers projections using kWh and contracted power data.

Related resources

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about electricity invoices and consumption management.

How many kWh equal 1 kW?

If 1 kW of power runs steadily for 1 hour, it produces or consumes 1 kWh of energy. As duration increases, kWh increases: 10 kW × 2 hours = 20 kWh.

Which matters more on the invoice, kW or kWh?

Both matter. Active energy charge is based on kWh; contracted power excess, demand, and power items relate to kW. Full invoice analysis examines both units together.

Is GES installed capacity in kWp the same as kWh?

No. kWp is installed power capacity; kWh is the amount of energy produced in a given period. Production kWh depends on sunshine duration and system efficiency.

Track this term with your data

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