How Much Electricity Do Electric Gates Use? 2026 Running Costs

Category: Electric Gates | Reading Time: 7 min | Author: Written by Anik Mondal.

Technical information reviewed by Jack Lyon, Director of Electric Gates Glasgow.

If you’re considering electric gates for your Glasgow property, you may wonder how much they’ll add to your electricity bill.

For most homes, the answer is reassuring: a properly installed residential electric gate will usually cost approximately £13–£25 a year to power. The exact figure depends on the motor, standby consumption, accessories and how often the gate opens.

That estimate is much lower than the £10 per month sometimes quoted online. Electric gate motors can draw several hundred watts while moving, but they normally operate for less than a minute during each complete opening and closing cycle.

Current UK electricity price used in our calculations

From 1 July to 30 September 2026, Ofgem’s average capped electricity rate for customers paying by Direct Debit is 26.11p per kilowatt-hour (kWh).

Your actual unit rate may differ depending on your tariff, payment method and location. You can replace 26.11p with the unit rate shown on your electricity bill for a more personalised estimate.

We haven’t included the electricity standing charge because you already pay it for the property; installing an electric gate doesn’t create a separate standing charge.

Check the latest electricity unit rates on the Ofgem website.

How Much Electricity Do Electric Gates Use? 2026 Costs

How is electric gate electricity usage calculated?

An automated gate consumes electricity in two ways:

1. Active consumption: electricity used while the motor opens or closes the gate.

2. Standby consumption: electricity used by the control board, safety equipment and connected accessories while the gate is stationary.

Although the motor uses more power while moving, standby consumption can account for the larger share of the annual cost because the control system remains powered around the clock.

The basic calculation is:

Electricity used in kWh × your electricity unit rate = running cost

For a more detailed estimate:

Annual electricity use = standby consumption + motor operating consumption

Example residential electric gate calculation

Consider a residential gate with the following specifications:

• 500-watt motor consumption while moving

• 5-watt standby consumption

• Six complete opening and closing cycles each day

• Approximately 40 seconds of motor operation per cycle

• Electricity charged at 26.11p per kWh

Standby cost

5 watts ÷ 1,000 × 24 hours × 365 days = 43.8 kWh per year

43.8 kWh × £0.2611 = £11.44 per year

Motor operating cost

500 watts ÷ 1,000 × 40 seconds ÷ 3,600 × 6 cycles × 365 days = 12.17 kWh per year

12.17 kWh × £0.2611 = £3.18 per year

Estimated total

£11.44 + £3.18 = £14.62 per year

That works out at approximately £1.22 per month.

This is an example rather than a guaranteed figure. Your gate may use more or less electricity depending on its equipment and daily use.

Estimated electric gate running costs for 2026

The examples below use the same electricity rate of 26.11p per kWh.

Usage example	Standby load	Motor load	Cycles per day	Estimated annual cost
Light residential use	5W	300W	4	£12.71
Typical residential use	8W	500W	8	£22.54
Busy shared or commercial entrance	15W	650W	30	£54.96

For each example, one cycle means opening and closing the gate, with approximately 40 seconds of total motor operation.

Manufacturers produce gate motors with very different power requirements. For example, FAAC lists residential sliding-gate operators ranging from approximately 170W to 500W, while heavier commercial operators may consume more while running. This is why the correct calculation should use the specifications of your particular motor rather than a single figure for every gate.

View FAAC’s published sliding-gate operator specifications.

What affects electric gate electricity consumption?

The motor and control board

Motor size alone doesn’t determine the full running cost. The control board remains powered when the gate is stationary, and different systems have different standby requirements.

Some modern control equipment includes energy-saving modes. CAME, for example, has described technology that can reduce standby demand from approximately 5W to 0.5W on compatible equipment.

How often the gate opens

A gate opening four times per day will use less electricity than a shared entrance operating 30 or 40 times per day.

However, occasional additional use normally adds only a small amount to a household bill because each movement lasts for seconds rather than hours.

Gate weight and movement

Large, heavy or poorly balanced gates place more demand on the automation system. The motor may need to work harder or run for longer.

A correctly designed gate should move freely before automation is added. The motor shouldn’t be expected to overcome damaged hinges, obstructed tracks or an incorrectly balanced structure.

Swing gates and sliding gates

You can’t assume that every sliding gate uses less electricity than every swing gate. Consumption depends on the motor, gate weight, travel distance, number of leaves and installation quality.

Double swing gates commonly use two operators, while a sliding gate normally uses one. However, a large sliding gate may require a more powerful motor. The system should be selected for the property rather than chosen on electricity consumption alone.

Access-control accessories

Your total can increase if the installation includes equipment such as:

• Video intercoms

• GSM entry systems

• Keypads and proximity readers

• Safety photocells

• Vehicle detection loops

• Warning lights

• Electric locks

• Battery-backup chargers

These devices may consume only a small amount individually, but several accessories operating continuously can raise the system’s standby usage.

Do electric gates use electricity when they’re closed?

Yes. The motor isn’t normally running, but the control panel and safety equipment remain ready to receive a command.

This standby demand is one reason you shouldn’t estimate the cost using motor power alone. A motor rated at 500W doesn’t consume 500W all day; it may only draw that level briefly while the gate is moving.

Could electric gates cost £10 per month to run?

That would be unusually high for a standard residential gate.

At the current example rate of 26.11p per kWh, spending £10 per month would mean using approximately 38.3 kWh each month, or around 460 kWh per year.

A domestic gate shouldn’t normally require that much electricity unless it has unusually high standby demand, power-hungry accessories, heating equipment, very frequent use or a fault.

If an existing gate appears to be using excessive power, arrange an inspection rather than assuming the cost is normal.

How to reduce your gate’s electricity use

Keep the gate properly maintained

Worn rollers, stiff hinges, debris in a sliding track and poor alignment can make the motor work harder. Regular electric gate maintenance in Glasgow also helps identify developing mechanical and electrical faults.

Choose the correct motor

An undersized motor may struggle, overheat or wear prematurely. An unnecessarily large system may also be inefficient for the application.

The right motor should be selected after considering gate weight, width, wind exposure, frequency of use and the required safety equipment.

Review unnecessary accessories

Don’t disconnect safety equipment to save electricity. However, an installer can check whether old lighting, heaters, intercoms or other accessories are drawing more power than expected.

Consider modern control equipment

If you’re replacing an older automation system, ask about standby consumption and energy-saving functions. Reducing continuous standby demand can make a greater difference than focusing only on the motor’s active power rating.

Investigate solar power carefully

Solar-powered gate automation can be useful where installing a mains electricity supply would be difficult or expensive. However, suitability depends on daylight, shading, site orientation, expected usage and battery capacity.

A shaded Glasgow driveway or a frequently used commercial entrance may require a different solution from a lightly used rural gate. Solar isn’t automatically the best or cheapest option for every property.

How can I check my gate’s actual electricity usage?

The most accurate approach is to measure the complete system rather than relying on the motor label.

An electrician or gate automation engineer can assess the supply and, where appropriate, use suitable monitoring equipment to measure standby and operating consumption. Don’t open control cabinets or work on fixed electrical connections yourself.

You can also check your smart-meter data before and after isolating the gate through its proper isolation switch, but only do this if you understand the installation and can operate the isolator safely.

Frequently asked questions

Are electric gates expensive to run?

Not usually. A typical residential system may cost approximately £13–£25 per year using the assumptions in this article. Accessories, frequent operation and higher standby demand can increase the figure.

Does a heavier gate use more electricity?

It can. A heavier or poorly moving gate may require a more powerful motor or longer operating time. Correct installation, alignment and maintenance are important for both reliability and energy efficiency.

Does leaving an electric gate open use electricity?

The motor stops once the gate reaches its open position, but the control board and connected safety equipment normally continue using standby power.

Will battery backup increase the electricity bill?

A battery-backup system uses some electricity to maintain its charge. The additional cost is normally modest, although it varies according to the battery, charger and condition of the equipment.

Can I automate my existing gates?

Often, yes. The gates must be structurally sound, move freely and be suitable for safe automation. Our electric gate automation service in Glasgow includes an assessment of the gates, pillars, power supply, access controls and safety requirements.

Get an accurate estimate for your property

Electric gate electricity consumption is normally a small part of the total ownership cost. Choosing the correct system and keeping it serviced will have a greater impact on long-term reliability than selecting a gate solely on the motor’s wattage.

If you’re planning a new installation or want an existing gate checked, Electric Gates Glasgow can assess your entrance and recommend an appropriate automation system.

Book a free electric gate survey, email electricgatesglasgow@outlook.com, or call 0141 611 5662.