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Cost to run a electric storage hot water system in South Australia (2026–27)

SA reference tariff · 41.9c/kWh

$1.51 per hour at 3,600 W

Typical use (6 kWh a day) ≈ $918/year on the SA Power Networks rate.

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

Electric hot water cost in SA at 4 h/day, 365 days/year (41.9c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,800 W)$0.75$3.02$91.73$1,101
Typical (3,600 W)$1.51$6.04$183.47$2,203
High (4,800 W)$2.01$8.05$244.62$2,937

The headline annual figure uses this appliance's measured energy per use (6 kWh per day (typical household)) rather than a constant draw — the table shows constant-draw costs at your chosen hours.

Appliance running-cost calculator

SA

Electric hot water: 1,800–4,800 W typical range.

The element heats ~3–5 h/day, often overnight on controlled load; daily energy spans ~2 kWh (single person) to ~10 kWh (large family).

$1.51 per hour · $2,203/year at your settings
Per day (4 h)
$6.04
Per month
$183.47
Per year (365 days)
$2,202.81

Tariff: 41.9c/kWh — AER Default Market Offer 2026–27 (DMO 8) for the SA Power Networks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Same Day Hot Water — hot water electricity use. Full electric hot water costs in SA →

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

If you have a standard electric tank, ask your retailer about a controlled-load (off-peak) tariff so it heats overnight at a cheaper rate. Insulate any exposed hot-water pipes, fix dripping hot taps promptly, and fit water-saving showerheads, since most of the cost is heating shower water. Set the thermostat to a safe, sensible level rather than scalding hot. Going away for a while? Switch it off at the tank.

Frequently asked questions

What does a electric hot water cost per hour in SA?
$1.51 at the typical 3,600 W draw on SA's reference rate of 41.9c/kWh (SA Power Networks network). Efficient models run $0.75, high-draw models $2.01.
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 element heats ~3–5 h/day, often overnight on controlled load; daily energy spans ~2 kWh (single person) to ~10 kWh (large family).