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Family of four in a house vs Family of five or more in a house: Electricity Use Compared in Canada (2026)
A fifth person adds less than the fourth did. Larger families use more, mostly through laundry, a second fridge and more screens, but the per-person figure keeps falling. The US and Australian benchmarks show the step from four to five people is around 10 to 20 percent.
In Canada, family of four in a house uses about 12,694 kWh a year (C$148.10 a month) and family of five or more in a house about 12,694 kWh (C$148.10 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or C$0.000 more per month. Per person: 3,174 kWh vs 2,539 kWh a year.
Sources: Natural Resources Canada, Survey of Household Energy Use 2019, Table 3.5a electricity intensity per household (GJ converted at 277.78 kWh/GJ): Single detached house. Natural Resources Canada, Survey of Household Energy Use 2019, Table 3.5a electricity intensity per household (GJ converted at 277.78 kWh/GJ): Single detached house. Priced at C$0.14 per kWh (Canada Energy Regulator 2026 market snapshot, 2026-06).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Family of four in a house | Family of five or more in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 4,443 kWh | 4,443 kWh | +0 |
| Water heating | 1,904 kWh | 1,904 kWh | +0 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 1,269 kWh | 1,269 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 381 kWh | 381 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 762 kWh | 762 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 762 kWh | 762 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 762 kWh | 762 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 2,412 kWh | 2,412 kWh | +0 |
- Two laundry loads a day with a dryer is the biggest step up.
- Teenagers add screens and long showers, which matter only if hot water is electric.
- Per person, a family of five is the cheapest household of all.
Only in the family of five or more in a house
- Hair Straightener 5 kWh/yr
Only in the family of four in a house
- None
The same comparison in other countries
| Country | Family of four in a house | Family of five or more in a house | Ratio | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | 13,072 | 14,336 | 1.1× | $18.96 |
| United Kingdom | 3,800 | 3,800 | 1.0× | £0.000 |
| Germany | 3,800 | 4,500 | 1.2× | €21.58 |
| France | 6,034 | 7,145 | 1.2× | €18.52 |
| Australia | 7,311 | 9,008 | 1.2× | A$49.50 |
| Canada (average) | 12,694 | 12,694 | 1.0× | C$0.000 |