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Cost to run a microwave in Tasmania (2026–27)

TAS reference tariff · 28.0c/kWh

$0.36 per hour at 1,300 W

Typical use (0.25 h/day, 365 days a year at 1,300 W) ≈ $33/year on the TasNetworks rate.

Source: OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31, effective 1 July 2026

Microwave cost in TAS at 0.25 h/day, 365 days/year (28.0c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.28$0.07$2.12$26
Typical (1,300 W)$0.36$0.09$2.76$33
High (1,700 W)$0.48$0.12$3.61$43

Appliance running-cost calculator

TAS

Microwave: 1,000–1,700 W typical range.

10–15 min/day of actual heating in a typical household.

$0.36 per hour · $33/year at your settings
Per day (0.25 h)
$0.09
Per month
$2.76
Per year (365 days)
$33.16

Tariff: 28.0c/kWh — OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31 for the TasNetworks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Eco Cost Savings — microwave wattage study. Full microwave costs in TAS →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

For small portions, reheating and single servings, the microwave beats the oven comfortably, because it heats the food rather than a big empty cavity. Cover dishes to trap the steam and heat evenly, and stir partway through. Its standby draw is trivial next to how you cook, so the real win is simply reaching for it instead of the oven on quick jobs.

Frequently asked questions

What does a microwave cost per hour in TAS?
$0.36 at the typical 1,300 W draw on TAS's reference rate of 28.0c/kWh (TasNetworks network). Efficient models run $0.28, high-draw models $0.48.
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 TAS's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31 usage rate for the TasNetworks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See TAS rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

10–15 min/day of actual heating in a typical household.