Bryant Veney - Copywriter, CableCompare
Date Modified: December 17, 2025
When you think about your monthly bills, you probably see your energy and cable costs as two separate expenses. However, there's an overlooked link between them. Rising energy costs don't just affect your electric bill—they can influence your cable and internet expenses, too.
This increase impacts both sides:
While the NRDC reports that modern cable devices have become more efficient, our total home energy use has risen as we've added more streaming equipment. The average cable bill per month is already a significant expense for many households, and hidden energy factors can push it even higher.
Let’s break down how energy costs trickle into what you pay for your cable bill—and what you can do to manage it.
Yes, indirectly. Cable and internet providers power a massive infrastructure, from data centers to local broadband networks. When electricity rates go up, so do their operating costs.
Because of this, cable companies may pass these increased costs on to customers through future rate adjustments or new fees. While energy is just one piece of the puzzle, it combines with other expenses like programming fees, equipment upgrades, and labor costs to shape your monthly cable rates. Understanding this can help you see the bigger picture behind your average cable bill.
Generally, older DVRs and high-performance streaming boxes tend to use more continuous power than newer, more basic set-top boxes or streaming sticks.
Your cable modem, Wi-Fi router, streaming boxes, and smart TVs all consume electricity, even when they're on standby. This continuous power draw adds up over time. While NCTA research shows that newer devices are far more efficient, the sheer number of connected devices in the average American household has caused total energy usage to grow.
For example:
Despite these improvements, the continuous power draw still contributes to your electricity bill.
In some cases, streaming can consume more total household power than traditional cable, especially in homes with multiple smart TVs and streaming devices running simultaneously. You can learn more about how to cut the cord on cable TV while managing these costs.
Sometimes, but not always. While a single streaming stick might use less power than a traditional cable box, households with multiple smart TVs and streaming devices running simultaneously may end up using more energy overall.
The impact of energy costs goes beyond direct electricity use. Energy prices affect the entire supply chain for cable and internet services. This includes:
As a reference, Move.org data on the average utility bill by state shows how energy is a major part of total household expenses. These indirect costs eventually find their way into the service fees and pricing structures that determine your average cable bill per month.
The chart below illustrates how trends in energy prices can correlate with changes in the cost of cable and internet services over time.
| Year | Average Annual Change in Electricity Price | Average Annual Change in Cable & Internet Price |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | +4.3% | +2.8% |
| 2022 | +14.3% | +3.5% |
| 2023 | +2.3% | +3.9% |
| 2024 | +2.9% | +4.1% |
Sources:U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
You have more control than you think. Here are some practical tips to help you manage both your energy and cable expenses:
To add more context, here’s what experts are saying about energy efficiency in the telecommunications industry:
CableCompare Expert Tip: Rising energy costs may not increase your base cable rate overnight, but they often drive subtle service fee adjustments over time. Keeping an eye on the smaller charges on your average cable bill per month is key.
The connection between energy prices and your cable bill is clear. Both providers and households feel the impact of changes in energy costs, whether through higher operational expenses or increased electricity usage at home.
By being aware of these factors and adopting more efficient habits, you can take steps to manage both your utility and cable expenses. Staying informed about your provider's pricing and your home's cable box energy consumption empowers you to make smarter financial decisions.
Ready to see what’s available in your area? Compare energy-efficient cable and internet options on CableCompare.com.
Yes. According to data from the NCTA, the energy consumption per device has dropped significantly in the past decade, thanks to voluntary agreements and new efficiency standards adopted by the industry.
Sometimes, but not always. While a single streaming stick might use less power than a traditional cable box, a home with multiple smart TVs and streaming devices could use more energy.
Absolutely. Annual energy use from set-top boxes has fallen from 32 TWh to about 10 TWh, and average power draw per device has shrunk by two-thirds.
No specific “energy surcharge,” but older equipment can quietly increase your power costs. Up-to-date devices keep both energy use and monthly bills lower.
