TV costs rising 13% from July — here's what you'll pay

From 1 July 2026, your electricity bills are about to jump — and that includes the cost of running your TV. Energy regulator Ofgem is raising gas and electricity prices by 13%, which means even everyday appliances will cost more to run.

If you’re an average British household, here’s what to expect. Most people watch around 4 hours and 30 minutes of TV daily. A typical television uses about 100 watts of power, which works out at roughly 12p per day. That’s £42.89 a year — and that’s before the July price rise kicks in.

Of course, your actual costs will vary. A large 77-inch 4K OLED TV on maximum brightness will use far more power than a smaller 32-inch bedroom set. Older models and bigger screens are energy hungrier, so your bill could be considerably higher. And if you’ve got a Sky box, soundbar, games console, or other equipment plugged in alongside your TV, add those costs on top.

The good news? Compared with tumble dryers and other household appliances, TVs don’t use massive amounts of electricity. But if you’re watching a lot, it’s worth thinking about ways to cut costs.

What you can do

If you’re thinking of buying a new TV, opt for a smaller screen or an energy-efficient model. Look for TVs rated A or B for energy efficiency — many older sets are rated E-G, which means they’re less efficient. Newer TVs are generally more efficient than older ones, so upgrading an ancient set could actually save you money in the long run.

Simple changes help too: lower the brightness setting, and turn your TV off properly rather than leaving it on standby.

Don’t forget — if you watch any live television or use BBC iPlayer, you’ll also need a TV Licence, which costs £15 a month (up from April 2026).

With energy bills rising, every saving counts. Check your current usage and consider whether your setup could be leaner and greener.