☀︎SunTariff

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

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$0.75 per hour at 1,800 W

Typical use (7 loads a week at 1.2 kWh per load) ≈ $183/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

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

Dishwasher cost in SA at 4 h/day, 365 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,200 W)$0.50$2.01$61.16$734
Typical (1,800 W)$0.75$3.02$91.73$1,101
High (2,400 W)$1.01$4.02$122.31$1,469

The headline annual figure uses this appliance's measured energy per use (1.2 kWh per cycle (normal program)) rather than a constant draw — the table shows constant-draw costs at your chosen hours.

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Dishwasher: 1,200–2,400 W typical range.

The energy-label basis is 7 cycles/week; eco programs use 0.5–0.8 kWh, intensive 1.2–1.8 kWh.

$0.75 per hour · $1,101/year at your settings
Per day (4 h)
$3.02
Per month
$91.73
Per year (365 days)
$1,101.40

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 — dishwasher power consumption. Full dishwasher costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Run it only when it's full, and use the eco or auto cycle, which washes longer at a lower temperature to save water and heat. Scrape the plates instead of pre-rinsing them under a hot tap. Skip the heated-dry option and crack the door open at the end to let everything air-dry. If your plan has cheaper off-peak hours, use the delay-start to land the cycle in that window.

Frequently asked questions

What does a dishwasher cost per hour in SA?
$0.75 at the typical 1,800 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.50, high-draw models $1.01.
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.

The energy-label basis is 7 cycles/week; eco programs use 0.5–0.8 kWh, intensive 1.2–1.8 kWh.