While telecommuting offers flexibility and comfort, it also brings with it an often underestimated economic reality:higher electricity bills. Between prolonged use of computer equipment, heating of a dedicated space or additional lighting, energy expenditure at home can quickly put a strain on the budget. However, this increase varies according to habits, the size of the dwelling and the type of heating.

 

At a time when energy prices remain a major issue, how can we accurately assess theimpact of telecommuting on energy consumption? What solutions exist to limit these costs, or have them covered by your employer? These are all essential questions to help you reconcile teleworking with budget control.

 

 

While telecommuting offers appreciable flexibility, it also comes with hidden costs, particularly in terms of energy consumption. With the rising cost of electricity, teleworkers are seeing their bills increase, sometimes significantly. Between the increased use of electronic devices, heating and lighting, work-at-home expenses can weigh heavily on the monthly budget. However, there are ways to better estimate these costs, benefit from employer allowances and adopt eco-actions to reduce consumption. Find out how you can reconcile telecommuting with controlling your energy budget.

 

Rising electricity bills: background information

 

While teleworking helps reduce CO₂ emissions by limiting travel, it also has a direct impact on home energy consumption. According toEDF‘s Research & Development teams, household electricity bills rose by 5-7% during the 2020 containment, a trend that has continued as teleworking has become more widespread. Several factors explain this rise:

 

Daily use of the computer and other devices (internet box, telephone, printer) is increasing considerably.Office lighting, often necessary for working in good conditions, and the Wi-Fi connection, which runs continuously, also contribute to this increase. Then there are the hotplates for lunch and the heating, especially in winter.

 

A study carried out in 2021 by Convictions RH for Le Parisien revealed that telecommuting costs could vary from 13 to 174 euros per month, depending on the size of the home, the type of heating and the equipment required. For example, heating a 150 m² home with electricity can cost up to 48 euros a month for 8 hours of work a day, 20 days a month.

 

How can I estimate the real electricity costs of teleworking?

 

Calculating the precise energy costs of teleworking is not always straightforward, as they vary according to working hours, equipment used and consumption habits. However, three main expense items can be estimated:

 

Use of computer equipment

 

A computer plugged into the mains, a desk lamp or an extra monitor all consume electricity. To assess these costs, it’s useful to know the wattage of each appliance, generally indicated on the energy label, then multiply this consumption by the number of hours of use and the price per kWh.

 

Room lighting and heating

 

Working in a well-lit and heated room is essential for comfort, but it comes at a cost. For example, two desk lamps on for 8 hours a day, combined with an electric radiator, can add up to a hefty bill. To reduce these costs, you can opt for LED bulbs and insulate the room properly.

 

To simplify these calculations, certain reimbursement scales have been introduced, enabling teleworkers to claim compensation from their employer. These scales vary according to company agreements, but provide a basis for assessing actual costs.

 

What costs are covered by the employer?

 

According to a national interprofessional agreement, employers can cover part of the costs associated with teleworking, although this is not compulsory. Expenses generally covered include :

 

• • • Electricity, regardless of the heating method used;

   

  • • • • Internet subscription;

   

   

  • • • • The business telephone package, if an agreement exists between the employer and the employee.

   

   

  According toURSSAF, a flat-rate allowance of 10 euros per month and per day of telecommuting can be paid without justification. If the employer refuses to cover these expenses, teleworkers can deduct them from their taxes, up to a maximum of 2.5 euros per day.

   

  How can you reduce the energy costs of teleworking?

   

  Fortunately, there are solutions to limit the impact of telecommuting on your electricity bill. Here are a few eco-gestures to adopt:

   

  • • • • Plug computer equipment into a power strip and switch it off after use to avoid standby power consumption;

       

      • • • • Set up your office in a small room, which is easier to heat and light;

       

       

      • • • • Unplug the Internet box during long absences (weekends, vacations);

       

       

      • • • • Reduce screen brightness and use energy-saving light bulbs;

       

       

      • • • • Disable mobile data, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth on the phone to save battery power ;

       

       

      • • • • Close unnecessary tabs and programs to reduce CPU consumption ;

       

       

      • • • • Favour natural light by installing your desk near a window.

       

       

      These simple gestures not only help reduce your electricity bill, but also contribute to more responsible consumption.

       

      The overall energy balance of teleworking: a positive impact?

       

      A study conducted in 2022-2023 by the French Ministry of Energy Transition andADEME analyzed the energy impact of telecommuting, taking into account the closure of offices one day a week. The results show that :

       

      • • • • In dense urban areas, telecommuting saves 25% energy per day and per employee;

           

          • • • • In suburban and rural areas, this saving reaches 35%.

           

           

          These savings are mainly due to reduced commuting distances, especially in regional areas where car journeys are more frequent and longer. However, telecommuting leads to an 8% increase in energy consumption at home, mainly due to heating and increased use of electronic devices.

           

          Overall, the energy balance remains positive, provided that telecommuting is combined with partial or total office closure. This practice not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also optimizes energy expenditure for companies and employees.

           

          Optimize your workspace to cut costs

           

          For companies and employees alike, rethinking the way work is organized can lead to significant savings. For example, locating offices in areas with good transport links can reduce the need for telecommuting, while cutting the energy costs associated with travel. Similarly, employee services (coworking spaces, company canteens) can encourage employees to visit the site, thus reducing their home consumption.

           

          For teleworkers, moving to a less expensive or better insulated region can also be a solution for reducing energy costs. Finally, companies committed to a contributive and sustainable approach can encourage telecommuting while offsetting its environmental impact.

           

           

          Rising electricity costs: what impact on teleworking?

           

          Frequently asked questions about telecommuting electricity costs

           

           

          1. Why is my electricity bill increasing since working remotely?

           

          Telecommuting leads to higher energy consumption at home. Several factors explain this increase:

           

          • • Prolonged use of devices : computer, screens, printer, internet box and telephone charging consume more.

           

          • • Increased lighting : a room dedicated to the office often requires constant lighting.

           

          • • Heating or air conditioning : maintaining a comfortable temperature in a work space can cost up to €48/month for a 150 m² home heated with electricity.

           

          • • Meal preparation : using the hotplates during the lunch break.

           

           

          An EDF study estimated that household electricity consumption increased by 5-7% during the 2020 containment, partly due to telecommuting.

           

           

           

          2. How to calculate the actual electricity costs linked to teleworking?

           

          To estimate your expenses, follow these steps:

           

          1. • Identify the duration of use : for example, 8 hours/day for a computer, two lamps and a heater.

           

          • • Record the consumption in Watts of each device (energy label or technical instructions).

           

          • • Convert to kWh : (Number of devices × Watts × hours of use) / 1000.

           

          • • Multipliez par le prix du kWh (variable selon votre fournisseur et votre contrat).

           

           

          Example: A computer (100 W) + 2 LED lamps (15 W each) + a radiator (1500 W) used 8h/day for 20 days consume around 250 kWh/month (excluding heating). At €0.20/kWh, that’s €50/month for these appliances alone.

           

           

           

          3. Does my employer have to reimburse electricity costs related to teleworking?

           

          Yes, under the Frenchnational interprofessional agreement (ANI), the employer can cover part of the professional costs associated with teleworking. However, the terms and conditions depend on :

           

          • • Your company or branch agreement.

           

          • • An individual agreement with your employer.

           

           

          In general, expenses covered include :

           

          • • Electricity (including heating).

           

          • • Internet subscription.

           

          • • The professional telephone plan (if agreed).

           

           

          URSSAF authorizes a flat-rate reimbursement of €10/month per day of telecommuting, without proof. If your employer refuses, you can deduct €2.5/day from your taxes as actual expenses.

           

           

           

          4. What are the main expenses for teleworking?

           

          Three categories account for the bulk of costs:

           

          Expenditure item	Estimated cost (per month)	Factors influencing cost
          Heating	15 € à 48 €	Surface area of the accommodation, type of heating (electric, gas), duration of use.
          Lighting	5 € à 15 €	Type of bulbs (LED vs halogen), number of lamps, ignition duration.
          Computer hardware	10 € à 30 €	Computer power, number of screens, use of a printer.

           

          A study by Convictions RH (2021) reveals that total costs vary from €13 to €174/month, depending on the situation.

           

           

           

          5. How can I reduce my electricity consumption when working from home?

           

          Adopt these ecogestures to limit the impact on your bill:

           

          • • Optimize your space : work in a small room that is easy to heat and light.

           

          • • Turn off devices : use a power strip with a switch to cut off power to the computer, screens and internet box after work.

           

          • • Reduce the brightness of your screen and favor natural light (place your desk near a window).

           

          • • Unplug unused chargers and turn off your phone’s Wi-Fi/Bluetooth when not in use.

           

          • • Close inactive tabs and programs to reduce CPU load.

           

          • • Choose LED bulbs and indirect lighting.

           

          • • Turn down the heating by 1°C (a sweater is often enough!).

           

           

          These gestures can reduce your consumption by 10-30% without affecting your productivity.

           

           

           

          6. What is the overall energy balance of teleworking?

           

          A study conducted by ADEME and the French Ministry of Energy Transition (2022-2023) shows that telecommuting has a positive impact on the environment, provided that offices are closed:

           

          • • Energy savings :
              • • 25% per teleworker/day in dense urban areas.

               

              • • 35% in peri-urban or rural areas.

               

               

           

          • • Transport :
              • • Savings are 2 to 5 times greater in the region than in Paris, because journeys there are longer and often made by car.

               

               

           

          • • At home :
              • • Consumption increases by 8% on average per day (heating, lighting, appliances).

               

               

           

           

          The study concludes that, overall, telecommuting is beneficial for the environment if offices are closed on the days concerned, as the savings made on transport and business premises more than compensate for the increase at home.

           

           

           

          7. Can I deduct electricity costs from my taxes if my employer does not reimburse them?

           

          Yes ! If your employer doesn’t cover your expenses, you can claim them as actual expenses on your tax return. Here’s how:

           

          • • Deductible amount: €2.5 per day of teleworking (without proof).

           

          • • Recommended proof: a calendar or written agreement with your employer attesting to your teleworking days.

           

          • • Where to declare them: in the “Actual expenses” section of your declaration (box 1AK or 1BK depending on your situation).

           

           

          Example: If you telework 8 days/month, you can deduct up to €20/month (i.e. €240/year).