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Retired couple at home all day vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in France (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 France, retired couple at home all day uses about 4,287 kWh a year (€71.45 a month) and couple in a house about 4,287 kWh (€71.45 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or €0.000 more per month. Per person: 2,144 kWh vs 2,144 kWh a year.
Sources: France publishes no figure by household type. This is the Enedis national average of 4,287 kWh scaled by the German Stromspiegel ratio for this household type (2,700 ÷ 2,700). France publishes no figure by household type. This is the Enedis national average of 4,287 kWh scaled by the German Stromspiegel ratio for this household type (2,700 ÷ 2,700). Priced at €0.20 per kWh (EDF Tarif Bleu, 2026-08).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 1,329 kWh | 1,329 kWh | +0 |
| Water heating | 656 kWh | 656 kWh | +0 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 604 kWh | 604 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 309 kWh | 309 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 257 kWh | 257 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 467 kWh | 467 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 133 kWh | 133 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 532 kWh | 532 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 213 kWh/yr
- Hair Dryer 99 kWh/yr
- Computer Monitor 43 kWh/yr
- Streaming Stick or Box 3 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 3 kWh/yr
Only in the retired couple at home all day
- Electric Blanket 430 kWh/yr
- Slow Cooker 58 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 |