Topic

Running costs

TechCritic's articles filed under running costs, newest first. Every listing is also in the archive.

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Explainer · Running costs · 9 August 2026

Why nobody can tell you what your router costs to run

A power adapter's rating is the most it is allowed to draw, not what a router actually uses, and almost every specification sheet stops there. BT publishes the real figure for its Smart Hub 2 anyway — the one router this piece can put a genuine cost on.

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Explainer · Running costs · 8 August 2026

What your technology actually costs to run, in the UK

The energy price cap sets what a kilowatt-hour costs. Manufacturers publish what their devices draw. Put the two together and a games console, a desktop computer and a machine left on overnight all get a price in pounds.