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

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$0.99 per hour at 3,600 W

Typical use (6 kWh a day) ≈ $602/year on the Jemena rate.

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

Electric hot water cost in VIC at 4 h/day, 365 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (1,800 W)$0.49$1.98$60.13$722
Typical (3,600 W)$0.99$3.96$120.25$1,444
High (4,800 W)$1.32$5.27$160.34$1,925

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

VIC

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).

$0.99 per hour · $1,444/year at your settings
Per day (4 h)
$3.96
Per month
$120.25
Per year (365 days)
$1,443.82

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Same Day Hot Water — hot water electricity use. Full electric hot water costs in VIC →

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 VIC?
$0.99 at the typical 3,600 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.49, high-draw models $1.32.
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.

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