Asking ChatGPT a single Query uses 0.34 watt-hours of energy, which is 10 times more energy than a traditional Google search. 

So, how much could ChatGPT usage be costing UK users, and how is this set to increase along with other household and business bills over the next decade?

As part of their research into the future cost of business energy bills, the business energy experts, Utility Bidder, have revealed how much small, medium and large hospitality businesses could be expected to pay for their energy bills in the next ten years – and ChatGPT users will see associated usage energy costs more than double.

You can view Utility Bidder’s full research into the future cost of business energy bills here – https://www.utilitybidder.co.uk/blog/how-much-will-business-energy-cost-in-10-years/

The average annual cost of using ChatGPT (based on 100 searches per day)

Utility Bidder asked ChatGPT to compare its energy usage to other appliances. Here’s what they found:

• One ChatGPT query uses about the same energy as running a 10W light bulb for 3-6 minutes, or boiling a cup of water for tea.
• 100 queries to ChatGPT might consume as much energy as using a microwave to heat food once

The study also revealed the following about business bills in the UK:

• In 2024, running a conventional boiler could cost a business nearly £4,599 per year, based on eight hours of operation for 253 working days a year. But over the next decade, this cost is projected to hit over £10,686 annually by 2034.
• Businesses are predicted to pay up to £9,901.44 annually for gas and over £65,000 a year in electricity bills in ten years’ time.
• Large business energy costs have increased by over 150% in the last 10 years.
• Microbusinesses have seen their energy bills increase by an average of £702.21 in the past 10 years.

Chris Shaw, CEO at Utility Bidder, has commented on the findings from the study and has shared the steps business owners can take to reduce energy bills:

“The past few years have been some of the most difficult for UK business owners, with energy bills skyrocketing and many having to close their doors as a result of the financial implications. Business owners across the UK have been urging the government to take action and offer support through methods such as a price cap, which is in place for consumers but not business owners.

Our recent study shows an alarming landscape for the future of business energy bills, with large businesses predicted to see an increase of more than £44,000, which would take the annual total to almost £75,000. With this in mind, we want to advise business owners on the effective steps to take, which will help to reduce energy costs.”

For more information, please visit the Utility Bidder website.