How to work out what an appliance costs to run
Cost = kWh × unit rate (pence) ÷ 100
The wattage is on the appliance's rating plate or in the manual. For appliances that cycle on and off, such as fridges and heat pumps, use the yearly kWh on the energy label instead.
Running costs of common appliances at 26.32p per kWh
| Appliance | Typical power | Cost per hour |
|---|---|---|
| Electric fan heater | 2,000 W | 52.6p |
| Oil-filled radiator | 1,500 W | 39.5p |
| Electric shower (per 10 minutes) | 9,500 W | 41.7p |
| Kettle (per 3 minutes) | 3,000 W | 3.9p |
| Tumble dryer (vented) | 2,500 W | 65.8p |
| Air fryer | 1,500 W | 39.5p |
| Electric blanket | 100 W | 2.6p |
| LED TV | 100 W | 2.6p |
Worked example
A 2,000 W fan heater used 4 hours a day uses 8 kWh a day. At 26.32p per kWh that is £2.11 a day, £63.17 for 30 days, and £189.50 over a 90-day winter.
About the price cap rate
The default unit rate here is the Ofgem price cap average for customers on a standard variable tariff paying by Direct Debit in England, Scotland and Wales from 1 October to 31 December 2026. Your own rate depends on your region, tariff and payment method: check your latest bill and type it in.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to run a 2 kW heater for an hour?
About 52.6p an hour at 26.32p per kWh, the price cap average from 1 October 2026.
What is the electricity price per kWh in the UK?
Under the Ofgem price cap from 1 October to 31 December 2026, the average unit rate for Direct Debit customers is 26.32p per kWh, plus a standing charge of about 54.83p a day. Your rate depends on your region and tariff.
How do I calculate kWh from watts?
Divide the watts by 1,000 and multiply by the hours used. A 1,500 W appliance used for 2 hours uses 3 kWh.
How much does a 10 minute electric shower cost?
A 9.5 kW electric shower used for 10 minutes uses about 1.58 kWh, which costs around 42p at 26.32p per kWh.
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Last updated October 2026.