⚡ Your Electricity Details
Check your bill — typically 24–43c/kWh in Australia
Fixed daily connection fee — typically 80–150c/day
🏠 Appliance Running Costs
Adjust usage hours per day for each appliance. Cost updates automatically.
ApplianceWattsHrs/dayCost/month
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🗺️ Average Electricity Rates by State — 2025-26
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Understanding Your Australian Electricity Bill in 2025
Australian electricity bills have become increasingly complex — and increasingly expensive. With the national average household spending over $2,000 per year on electricity, understanding what drives your bill is one of the most practical ways to take control of your household budget.
What's on an Australian Electricity Bill
Your electricity bill has two main components:
- Usage charges: Charged per kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumed. In 2025-26, rates range from 23c/kWh (ACT) to 43c/kWh (SA). Some plans have time-of-use (TOU) tariffs charging more during peak hours (typically 5–9pm) and less during off-peak.
- Supply charge (daily connection fee): A fixed daily charge regardless of usage — typically 80–150c/day. On a quarterly bill, this is $72–$135 before you've used a single watt.
Average Electricity Costs by State — 2025-26
| State | Avg Rate (c/kWh) | Avg Annual Bill (3 person household) | AER Reference Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA | 43–48c | $2,800–$3,400 | $2,618 |
| NSW | 28–35c | $1,900–$2,400 | $1,965 |
| QLD | 26–32c | $1,700–$2,200 | $2,148 |
| VIC | 24–32c | $1,600–$2,100 | $1,842 |
| WA | 28–32c | $1,800–$2,200 | N/A (Synergy) |
| ACT | 20–26c | $1,400–$1,800 | $2,301 |
| TAS | 24–30c | $1,600–$2,000 | $1,944 |
The Biggest Electricity Users in Australian Homes
| Appliance | Typical Wattage | Usage | Annual Cost (at 30c/kWh) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reverse cycle A/C (large) | 3,000W | 6hrs/day in summer | $590 |
| Electric hot water | 2,400W | 2hrs/day | $525 |
| Pool pump | 750W | 8hrs/day | $660 |
| Refrigerator | 150W | 24hrs/day | $197 |
| Clothes dryer | 2,500W | 1hr/day | $274 |
| Oven/stove | 2,200W | 1hr/day | $241 |
| TV (large LED) | 120W | 4hrs/day | $53 |
Top 5 Ways to Reduce Your Electricity Bill
- Switch energy retailers: Comparing and switching plans takes 10 minutes and can save $200–$500/year. Use Energy Made Easy (energymadeeasy.gov.au) for impartial comparison.
- Install solar panels: A 6.6kW system can reduce your bill by 50–80% depending on usage patterns and daytime consumption.
- Switch your hot water system: A heat pump hot water system uses 60–75% less electricity than a standard electric system, saving $400–$600/year.
- Use time-of-use tariffs wisely: If you're on a TOU plan, run the dishwasher, washing machine and dryer during off-peak hours (typically 10pm–7am or during solar hours).
- Upgrade your air conditioner: A modern 5-star reverse cycle uses half the electricity of an older unit. For heating, a 2.5kW reverse cycle uses just 625W of electricity to produce 2,500W of heat.
Electricity cost estimates are based on indicative 2025-26 state average rates. Actual bills depend on your specific plan, usage patterns, and retailer. Compare plans at energymadeeasy.gov.au. Not financial advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average electricity bill in Australia in 2025?
The average Australian household pays approximately $1,700–$2,500/year on electricity depending on state and household size. SA has the highest average bills due to high per-kWh rates (43–48c), while ACT and TAS are typically lower. A 3-person household in NSW typically pays $1,900–$2,400/year.
What is the electricity rate per kWh in Australia in 2025?
Australian electricity rates range from approximately 23c/kWh (ACT, cheapest) to 43–48c/kWh (SA, most expensive). NSW averages 28–35c/kWh, QLD 26–32c/kWh, VIC 24–32c/kWh. Rates vary significantly between retailers — always compare using energymadeeasy.gov.au.
How much does it cost to run a heater in Australia?
A 2kW electric bar heater running 6 hours/day for 90 winter days costs approximately $32 at 30c/kWh. A reverse cycle air conditioner is far more efficient — a 2.5kW unit running 6hrs/day for 90 days costs approximately $13 because it moves heat rather than generating it.
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