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Retired couple at home all day vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in Canada (2026)
Two people at home all day use more electricity than the same two people who are out at work, and the official benchmarks do not separate the two. The appliances are identical; the hours are not. Daytime TV, the kettle several times a day, lights on in winter afternoons, and a warmer house are where the difference comes from.
In Canada, retired couple at home all day uses about 10,750 kWh a year (C$125.42 a month) and couple in a house about 10,750 kWh (C$125.42 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or C$0.000 more per month. Per person: 5,375 kWh vs 5,375 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): Row, duplex or semi-detached. Natural Resources Canada, Survey of Household Energy Use 2019, Table 3.5a electricity intensity per household (GJ converted at 277.78 kWh/GJ): Row, duplex or semi-detached. Priced at C$0.14 per kWh (Canada Energy Regulator 2026 market snapshot, 2026-06).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 3,762 kWh | 3,762 kWh | +0 |
| Water heating | 1,612 kWh | 1,612 kWh | +0 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 1,075 kWh | 1,075 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 322 kWh | 322 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 645 kWh | 645 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 645 kWh | 645 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 645 kWh | 645 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 2,042 kWh | 2,042 kWh | +0 |
- Hours drive this comparison, not devices: a TV on for eight hours costs as much as a console habit.
- If heating is electric, daytime heating in winter is the single largest difference.
- An electric blanket or heated throw in the evening is far cheaper than heating the room.
Only in the couple in a house
- Desktop Computer 294 kWh/yr
- Hair Dryer 99 kWh/yr
- Computer Monitor 59 kWh/yr
- Streaming Stick or Box 4 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 4 kWh/yr
Only in the retired couple at home all day
- Electric Blanket 584 kWh/yr
- Slow Cooker 60 kWh/yr
The same comparison in other countries
| Country | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Ratio | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | 10,648 | 10,648 | 1.0× | $0.000 |
| United Kingdom | 2,500 | 2,500 | 1.0× | £0.000 |
| Germany | 2,700 | 2,700 | 1.0× | €0.000 |
| France | 4,287 | 4,287 | 1.0× | €0.000 |
| Australia | 5,237 | 5,237 | 1.0× | A$0.000 |
| Canada (average) | 10,750 | 10,750 | 1.0× | C$0.000 |