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Cost to run a electric heater (fan, panel or oil column) in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$0.84 per hour at 2,000 W

Typical use (4.4 h/day, 90 days a year at 2,000 W) ≈ $332/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

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

Electric heater cost in SA at 4.4 h/day, 90 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.42$1.84$56.06$166
Typical (2,000 W)$0.84$3.69$112.12$332
High (2,400 W)$1.01$4.43$134.54$398

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Electric heater: 1,000–2,400 W typical range.

~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).

$0.84 per hour · $332/year at your settings
Per day (4.4 h)
$3.69
Per month
$112.12
Per year (90 days)
$331.93

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Finder — winter heating cost tracker. Full electric heater costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

Plain bar and fan heaters turn power straight into heat, so no brand runs cheaper than another; the only real saving is heating less. Warm the person, not the whole room: shut the door, point it where you sit, and put it on a timer so it isn't left running. If you own a reverse-cycle unit, it delivers far more warmth for the same power.

Frequently asked questions

What does a electric heater cost per hour in SA?
$0.84 at the typical 2,000 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.42, 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.

~4–5 h/day in winter (Finder's tracker assumes 4.4 h/day).