Electricity Running Cost Calculator
Calculate how much it costs to run any electrical appliance
Reference Info & Formulas
Running Cost
Cost = (W / 1000) x hours x rate
Daily kWh
kWh = (W / 1000) x hours/day
100W: LED TV
500W: Washing machine
2000W: Storage heater
3000W: Kettle / Immersion
7000W: EV charger (7kW)
8500W: Electric shower
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Data: Ofgem price cap rates (January 2025)
For guidance only. The responsibility for any electrical installation lies with the qualified person carrying out the work. Always verify calculations independently and apply professional judgement.
How Electricity Running Costs Are Calculated
The cost to run any electrical appliance depends on its power rating, how long you use it, and your electricity tariff.
The basic formula multiplies the appliance wattage (converted to kilowatts) by the number of hours used and the unit rate in pence per kilowatt-hour (kWh).
Cost (pence) = (W / 1000) x hours x rate (p/kWh)- W
- = Appliance power rating in watts
- hours
- = Duration of use
- rate
- = Electricity unit rate in pence per kWh
Ofgem price cap (January 2025): 24.50p/kWh
For example, running a 2kW fan heater for 4 hours costs: (2000 / 1000) x 4 x 24.5 = 196p, or 1.96 pounds per session. Over a month, that adds up to nearly 59 pounds if used daily.
Common Appliance Running Costs
Typical daily running costs at 24.5p/kWh
Based on Ofgem January 2025 price cap| Appliance | Power (W) | Typical Use | Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| LED TV | 100 | 4 hrs/day | 9.8p |
| Washing Machine | 500 | 1 hr/day | 12.3p |
| Dishwasher | 1,800 | 1 hr/day | 44.1p |
| Tumble Dryer | 2,500 | 1 hr/day | 61.3p |
| Oven | 2,500 | 1 hr/day | 61.3p |
| Kettle | 3,000 | 10 mins/day | 12.3p |
| Immersion Heater | 3,000 | 3 hrs/day | 220.5p |
| Storage Heater | 2,000 | 7 hrs/day | 343.0p |
| EV Charger (7kW) | 7,000 | 3 hrs/day | 514.5p |
| Electric Shower | 8,500 | 10 mins/day | 34.7p |
Actual costs vary with tariff, appliance efficiency, and usage patterns.
Tips for Reducing Electricity Bills
Switch to Off-Peak Tariffs
Monitor with a Smart Meter
Standing Charge Applies Regardless
Frequently Asked Questions
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