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Cost to run a washing machine in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$0.29 per hour at 700 W

Typical use (4 loads a week at 0.7 kWh per load) ≈ $61/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

Source: AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8), effective 1 July 2026

Washing machine cost in SA at 4 h/day, 365 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (400 W)$0.17$0.67$20.39$245
Typical (700 W)$0.29$1.17$35.67$428
High (1,400 W)$0.59$2.35$71.35$857

The headline annual figure uses this appliance's measured energy per use (0.7 kWh per cycle (cold wash)) rather than a constant draw — the table shows constant-draw costs at your chosen hours.

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Washing machine: 400–1,400 W typical range.

A cycle runs 1–2 h; 3–5 loads a week is typical. A warm/hot wash uses 1.0–2.0 kWh because water heating dominates.

$0.29 per hour · $428/year at your settings
Per day (4 h)
$1.17
Per month
$35.67
Per year (365 days)
$428.32

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — washing machine power consumption. Full washing machine costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Most of a wash's energy goes into heating water, so choose a cold or cool cycle for everyday loads; modern detergents cope fine. Run full loads rather than half-empty ones, use the eco setting, and let a high spin speed wring out more water so the dryer has less to do. Front-loaders generally use less water and power than top-loaders for the same wash.

Frequently asked questions

What does a washing machine cost per hour in SA?
$0.29 at the typical 700 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.17, high-draw models $0.59.
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 SA's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) usage rate for the SA Power Networks network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See SA rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

A cycle runs 1–2 h; 3–5 loads a week is typical. A warm/hot wash uses 1.0–2.0 kWh because water heating dominates.