Cost to run a washing machine in Western Australia (2026–27)
WA reference tariff · 33.3c/kWh
Typical use (4 loads a week at 0.7 kWh per load) ≈ $48/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 (400 W) | $0.13 | $0.53 | $16.18 | $194 |
| Typical (700 W) | $0.23 | $0.93 | $28.31 | $340 |
| High (1,400 W) | $0.47 | $1.86 | $56.63 | $680 |
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
WAWashing 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.
- Per day (4 h)
- $0.93
- Per month
- $28.31
- Per year (365 days)
- $339.94
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: EcoFlow AU — washing machine power consumption. Full washing machine costs in WA →
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 WA?
- $0.23 at the typical 700 W draw on WA's reference rate of 33.3c/kWh (Western Power (SWIS) network). Efficient models run $0.13, high-draw models $0.47.
- 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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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.