How is a kilowatt hour (kWh) defined?

A kilowatt hour (kWh) is defined as a unit of energy equivalent to one kilowatt of power used for one hour. This definition highlights the relationship between power and time, illustrating that a kilowatt hour measures the total amount of energy consumed or produced over a specific duration.

In practical terms, if you have a device that operates at a power level of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) and it runs for one hour, it consumes one kilowatt hour of energy. This makes the kWh a standard unit for measuring electrical energy usage, which is commonly used in utility billing and energy consumption calculations.

Understanding this definition helps consumers assess energy costs and consumption patterns, enabling them to make informed decisions regarding energy efficiency and usage.