What is the relationship between watts and kilowatts?

The correct answer is that 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts. This is based on the metric system where "kilo-" is a prefix meaning one thousand. Therefore, when we refer to kilowatts (kW), we are discussing a measurement of power that represents 1,000 watts (W). Understanding this conversion is essential in fields like utility marketing and electrical engineering, as it allows for the proper assessment of energy usage and costs. For instance, if you have an appliance that consumes 2 kilowatts, that means it is using 2,000 watts of power. Recognizing this relationship helps in calculating energy consumption and understanding billing for electrical services.