Growing cannabis is a wonderful hobby for cannabis enthusiasts. Learning how the plant grows is extremely worthwhile and will give any consumer a greater understanding of cannabis in general. Electricity is one factor to take into account when growing. The electricity usage for growing cannabis will depend on several different factors, but, our table below will give a fair idea of what to expect in terms of an increase to your electric bill.
Many who have never grown cannabis may believe that their power bill will spike through the roof and this is simply not true. Depending on your kWh cost, growing cannabis can cost as little as $29 in extra electricity charges over a 5 month period.
The total electricity usage is based on a 14-week cannabis grow, consisting of 5 weeks of 18:6 and 9 weeks of 12:12. One plant under a 400W light in a 4×4 growing tent.
Electricity Usage for Growing Cannabis: Vegetative Cycle (18 Hours of Light)
This lighting cycle is known as simply as 18:6, or, 18 hours of light, and 6 hours of darkness. This is what your plant will start on for at 5 weeks of vegetative growth.
| Cost of kWh | Cost per day | Cost per month |
| $0.02 | $0.36 | $10.80 |
| $0.03 | $0.54 | $16.20 |
| $0.04 | $0.72 | $21.60 |
| $0.05 | $0.90 | $27.00 |
| $0.06 | $1.08 | $32.40 |
| $0.07 | $1.26 | $37.80 |
| $0.08 | $1.44 | $43.20 |
| $0.09 | $1.62 | $48.60 |
| $0.10 | $1.80 | $54.00 |
The vegetative cycle of a cannabis plant will see rapid growth upwards and outwards.
Electricity Usage During the Flowering Stage (12 Hours of Light)
This light cycle is known as 12:12 (12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness). The flowering cycle will be the most exciting time during any cannabis grow.
| Cost of kWh | Cost per day | Cost per month |
| $0.02 | $0.24 | $7.20 |
| $0.03 | $0.36 | $10.80 |
| $0.04 | $0.48 | $14.40 |
| $0.05 | $0.60 | $18.00 |
| $0.06 | $0.72 | $21.60 |
| $0.07 | $0.84 | $25.20 |
| $0.08 | $0.96 | $28.80 |
| $0.09 | $1.08 | $32.40 |
| $0.10 | $1.20 | $36.00 |
Total Cost for a 14-Week Grow (5 Weeks Vegetation, 9 Weeks Flowering)
Remember, there are several factors that will impact the final cost of your cannabis grow in terms of electricity.
| Cost of kWh | Cost of a 14-Week Grow (Total Electricity Usage) |
| $0.02 | $29.70 |
| $0.03 | $44.55 |
| $0.04 | $59.40 |
| $0.05 | $74.25 |
| $0.06 | $89.10 |
| $0.07 | $103.95 |
| $0.08 | $118.80 |
| $0.09 | $133.65 |
| $0.10 | $148.50 |
Electricity Usage for Growing Cannabis: An Example
Last year while growing cannabis, my own electric bill was, on average, $37 more expensive (per month) during the vegetative months and $25 more expensive (per month) during the flowering cycle.
A total increase of approximately $125 over the 5 month period of growth. Considering the plant produced well over $125 worth of cannabis, the investment in the extra cost of electricity is certainly worthwhile.
Other Ways to Reduce Your Electric Bill While Growing Cannabis:
- Do less laundry
- Use less hot water
- Turn off all lights and unplug appliances from the wall when not in use
- Use the dishwasher less often (if applicable)
If you would like to learn more about growing cannabis, please check out our friends at Percys Grow Room. This community of growers from across the world is a refreshingly friendly, informative, and fun place to be a part of.
We also recommend our friends over at Growers Choice Seeds if you want to purchase legal cannabis seeds.
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