What does kWH measure?

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of measurement that quantifies the amount of energy consumed over time. Specifically, it represents the energy usage when a device with a power rating of one kilowatt operates for one hour. This makes it particularly useful for understanding electricity billing, as utility companies charge customers based on the total energy consumed in kWh.

In contrast, power output is measured in watts (W) or kilowatts (kW) and represents the rate of energy transfer at a specific moment, while current flow is measured in amperes (A) and indicates the flow of electric charge. Voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between two points, usually expressed in volts (V). These other options do not capture the concept of energy utilization over a period, which is precisely what the kWh measures.