kW and kWh

kilowatt · kilowatt-hour · power · energy · 킬로와트

UnitDemand

A kW (kilowatt) is a unit of power: how hard electricity is made or used at a moment. A kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a unit of energy: how much is made or used over time.

kW measures power, the size of the flow at an instant. kWh measures energy, power multiplied by time. Using the same kW for longer means more kWh.

Korea's market rules state generator capacity in MW, bid available capacity in MWh, and prices such as SMP in KRW/kWh. KEPCO bills use both units too: the basic charge is based on contract demand (kW), while the energy charge and fuel cost adjustment charge are applied to energy used (kWh).

News-reading tip: watch for articles that mix up 'capacity' (kW) and 'generation' (kWh). A large installed capacity does not mean a large actual output. The concept linking the two is the capacity factor.

Sources

  1. 전력시장운영규칙(2026-07-25 시행) 제1.1.2조 제2·3·21호(공급가능용량 MWh, 계통한계가격 원/kWh, 최대발전용량 MW)
  2. 한국전력공사 기본공급약관 제6조(정의: 계약전력·최대수요전력)
  3. 한국전력공사 기본공급약관 제67조(요금의 계산: 기본요금·전력량요금)

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