Research results. It has been shown that the process of excavation using operating equipment of a face-shovel type is characterized by increased energy intensity because of the energy consumed to elevate the elements of operating equipment and rock mass to the bench (face) height, as well as because ofthe driving forces counteraction under various directions of lifting and thrusting actions. As a result of computer experiment carried out based on the simulation model of excavation process, actual values of driving forces operation (lifting and thrusting actions) have been determined in the process of stoping. It has been stated that energy consumption depends on the position of a bucket in the operating zone of an excavator; operating zone sections with increased values of energy consumption have been discovered. Differentiated calculation of energy consumption depending on the type of operations performed has been carried out - energy consumption at digging (output work), energy consumption when elevating the elements of operating equipment and rock mass, as well as energy consumption caused by the counteraction of the main mechanisms. Estimation of excavation process energy intensity has been carried out in various sections of an operating zone (bucket movement along the initial, medium, and final trajectories). Recommendations for the use of the results. The suggested method of energy consumption calculation during rock excavation using operating equipment of an open pit excavator will allow to determine energy characteristics of an excavator for specific conditions of operation. Conclusions. The determination of regularities in the formation of energy consumption for rock excavation on the basis of computer experiment will allow to determine energy characteristics of an open pit excavator for specific conditions of operation.