Cost to run a electric heater (fan, panel or oil column) in Western Australia (2026–27)
WA reference tariff · 33.3c/kWh
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
| Model band | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per 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
WAElectric heater: 1,000–2,400 W typical range.
~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).
- 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.
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~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).