Cost to run a electric heater (fan, panel or oil column) in Western Australia (2026–27)

WA reference tariff · 33.3c/kWh

$0.67 per hour at 2,000 W

Typical use (4.4 h/day, 90 days a year at 2,000 W) ≈ $263/year on the Western Power (SWIS) rate.

Source: WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1), effective 1 July 2026

Electric heater cost in WA at 4.4 h/day, 90 days/year (33.3c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.33$1.46$44.49$132
Typical (2,000 W)$0.67$2.93$88.98$263
High (2,400 W)$0.80$3.51$106.78$316

Appliance running-cost calculator

WA

Electric heater: 1,0002,400 W typical range.

~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).

$0.67 per hour · $263/year at your settings
Per day (4.4 h)
$2.93
Per month
$88.98
Per year (90 days)
$263.44

Tariff: 33.3c/kWh — WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1) for the Western Power (SWIS) network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Finder — winter heating cost tracker. Full electric heater costs in WA

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Plain bar and fan heaters turn power straight into heat, so no brand runs cheaper than another; the only real saving is heating less. Warm the person, not the whole room: shut the door, point it where you sit, and put it on a timer so it isn't left running. If you own a reverse-cycle unit, it delivers far more warmth for the same power.

Frequently asked questions

What does a electric heater cost per hour in WA?
$0.67 at the typical 2,000 W draw on WA's reference rate of 33.3c/kWh (Western Power (SWIS) network). Efficient models run $0.33, high-draw models $0.80.
How is this calculated?
Watts ÷ 1,000 × the tariff = cost per hour, then × hours × days for the period figures. Every figure on this page uses WA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the WA Government Standard Electricity Prices 2026–27 (Synergy Home Plan A1) usage rate for the Western Power (SWIS) network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See WA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).