Korean electricity bills use a steep progressive tier system. In summer, going just 1 kWh over 450 can add ₩6,800 to your bill. Enter your usage to see your bill and which tier you land in.
| Base charge | 0 |
| Energy charge progressive | 0 |
| Climate levy ₩9/kWh | 0 |
| VAT 10% | 0 |
| Power industry fund 3.7% | 0 |
| Total | 0 |
Estimate using 2026 KEPCO rates. Fuel cost adjustments, welfare discounts, and TV license fees are not included. Check KEPCO Cyber Branch for your exact bill.
Summer tiers are wider
From July 1 to August 31, the progressive tiers are temporarily widened to ease cooling costs.
| Tier | Normal | Summer (Jul–Aug) | Rate (low voltage) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Up to 200kWh | Up to 300kWh | ₩120/kWh |
| Tier 2 | 201–400kWh | 301–450kWh | ₩214.6/kWh |
| Tier 3 | Over 400kWh | Over 450kWh | ₩307.3/kWh |
Three common misconceptions
- ❌ "Tiers disappear in summer" → They stay; only the thresholds widen
- ❌ "Over 450kWh, everything is charged at Tier 3" → Only the excess is
- ❌ "The rate per kWh drops" → No — the range covered by cheaper rates expands
⚠️ 450 kWh — the summer cliff
- 450 kWh → about ₩84,000
- 451 kWh → about ₩91,000 (just 1 kWh more, +₩6,800!)
Why the jump? The base charge leaps from ₩1,600 to ₩7,300, and the excess gets the Tier 3 rate.
Real example. Going from 419 kWh to 484 kWh is a 15% increase in usage — but a 34% increase in the bill (₩78,000 → ₩104,000). That's the progressive system at work.
How to cut your bill
① Track your usage mid-month ⭐
The single most useful habit. Check your meter mid-month — if you're heading over 450 kWh, ease off in the back half. KEPCO's app shows this too.
② Don't cycle your AC on and off
Inverter air conditioners drop to low power once they reach the set temperature. Turning them off and on forces the compressor back to full power — using more electricity. Leave it running at a steady temperature.
③ 26–27°C + a fan
- Raising the setting by 1°C saves about 7%
- A fan makes it feel 2–3°C cooler
④ Use dehumidify mode on humid days
Dropping the humidity alone feels cooler, and dehumidify mode uses 30–50% less power than cooling.
⑤ Kill standby power
Standby power is roughly 11% of household electricity. Switch off power strips.
In summer, 450 kWh is the line that matters. Stay under it and the "bill shock" never happens. Check your meter mid-month.
Estimates using 2026 KEPCO rates. Actual bills vary with fuel cost adjustments and discounts. Apartments may be billed differently depending on the building's contract type. Check KEPCO Cyber Branch for exact figures.