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Thinking of leaving a power station plugged in as backup — but worried it will quietly run up your electric bill? Here are the real numbers. Spoiler: it is pennies.
The short answer
Almost nothing. Charging a 1 kWh power station from empty costs about $0.12–$0.35 (one full charge, at typical US rates). Left plugged in as a UPS, it only draws a few watts of standby plus whatever your devices use anyway — adding roughly $1–$3 per month. It will not move your bill in any noticeable way.
What it actually costs
| Action | Energy | Cost (at $0.18/kWh) |
|---|---|---|
| Full charge of a 1 kWh unit | ~1.2 kWh (with losses) | ~$0.22 |
| Standby, left plugged in (month) | ~5–15 kWh | ~$1–$3 |
| Charging a 300Wh unit | ~0.35 kWh | ~$0.06 |
Charging just moves energy from the grid into the battery — you pay once to store it, minus ~10–20% in conversion losses. There is no hidden ongoing cost.
How to keep it even cheaper
- Charge during off-peak hours if your utility has time-of-use rates.
- Set an 80–90% charge cap — saves a little energy and extends battery life.
- Use eco mode to cut standby draw when idle.
Best units for always-on backup
Bluetti AC180
Efficient standby, an 80–90% charge cap, and fast top-ups — cheap to keep ready.
EcoFlow RIVER 2 Pro
Low standby draw and app controls to schedule charging on cheap off-peak power.
Frequently asked questions
Does a power station raise your electric bill?
Barely — ~$1–$3/month if left plugged in, plus ~$0.22 per full charge. It is one of the cheapest appliances to keep running.
How much does one charge cost?
About $0.12–$0.35 for a 1 kWh unit at typical US rates, depending on your electricity price.
Is it cheaper to charge at night?
If you have time-of-use rates, yes — schedule charging for off-peak hours to pay the lowest rate.
Related guides
- Can a Portable Power Station Run an Electric Blanket?
- Power Station for an Apartment With an Electric Stove (Cooking in an Outage)
- Best Portable Power Station for Apartment Blackout (2026 Guide)
- Best Portable Power Station for Home Office Backup (2026 Guide)
Pennies, not dollars
A power station costs about a quarter per charge and a couple dollars a month to keep ready — negligible. The Bluetti AC180 keeps it efficient with a charge cap and eco mode.