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

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$0.55 per hour at 2,000 W

Typical use (4.4 h/day, 90 days a year at 2,000 W) ≈ $218/year on the Jemena rate.

Source: ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27, effective 1 July 2026

Electric heater cost in VIC at 4.4 h/day, 90 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,000 W)$0.27$1.21$36.74$109
Typical (2,000 W)$0.55$2.42$73.49$218
High (2,400 W)$0.66$2.90$88.19$261

Appliance running-cost calculator

VIC

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

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

$0.55 per hour · $218/year at your settings
Per day (4.4 h)
$2.42
Per month
$73.49
Per year (90 days)
$217.56

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Finder — winter heating cost tracker. Full electric heater costs in VIC →

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 VIC?
$0.55 at the typical 2,000 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.27, high-draw models $0.66.
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 VIC's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 usage rate for the Jemena network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See VIC 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).