The Key Factor is Entering Stage 3 of the Progressive Rate
Once Usage Exceeds 450 kWh, Bills Jump by 10%
As record-breaking heatwaves continue, the burden of electricity bills is increasing due to a surge in air conditioner usage. In particular, caution is required when operating air conditioners, as entering the "Stage 3 Progressive Rate" causes electricity bills to rise sharply.
According to Korea Electric Power Corporation (KEPCO) on August 4, if a four-person household that uses an average of 280 kWh per month operates an air conditioner for an average of 5 hours and 24 minutes per day, their average monthly electricity bill amounts to about 113,500 KRW. This is approximately twice the average electricity bill for May, when air conditioners are not typically used, which is 52,840 KRW.
When the Stage 3 Progressive Rate is applied, electricity bills increase rapidly. The basic charge rises from 1,600 KRW to 7,300 KRW, and the unit price per kWh increases from 214.6 KRW to 307.3 KRW. For example, if 445 kWh are used in a month, which falls under Stage 2, the electricity bill is about 84,460 KRW. However, using just 10 kWh more and entering Stage 3 raises the bill to 93,980 KRW, an increase of over 10%. A difference of nearly 10,000 KRW results from just a 10 kWh increase.
Based on KEPCO's estimates, which assume an average daily air conditioner operation of 5 hours and 24 minutes over 22.3 days per month, a four-person household's monthly electricity bill is 83,170 KRW for a wall-mounted unit, 113,540 KRW for a stand-type unit, and 110,640 KRW for a system-type unit. If the air conditioner is used for one additional hour each day compared to the average, the electricity bill rises to 99,410 KRW for a wall-mounted unit, 129,100 KRW for a stand-type unit, and 125,480 KRW for a system-type unit. If operation time increases by two hours, exceeding seven hours a day, the bill increases to 109,910 KRW for a wall-mounted unit, 144,310 KRW for a stand-type unit, and 140,330 KRW for a system-type unit. However, these estimates may vary depending on the air conditioner's energy efficiency, the set temperature, usage patterns, changes in operation days due to weather or vacation schedules, and the type of electricity contract.
To reduce electricity bills, it is better to turn off the air conditioner if you are leaving the house for more than 90 minutes. If you are going out for less than that, it is better to leave it on. Additionally, using a fan or air circulator while the air conditioner is running is recommended, as it helps spread cold air and lowers room temperature quickly. According to the Korea Consumer Agency, reducing daily air conditioner usage by one to two hours can save approximately 15,000 to 30,000 KRW per month. Other ways to save include keeping rooms sealed, cleaning filters regularly, and blocking sunlight with blinds.
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