Cost to run a gaming pc in Northern Territory (2026–27)
NT reference tariff · 31.7c/kWh
Typical use (3 h/day, 365 days a year at 400 W) ≈ $139/year on the Power and Water rate.
Source: NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential), effective 1 July 2026
| Model band | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (100 W) | $0.03 | $0.10 | $2.89 | $35 |
| Typical (400 W) | $0.13 | $0.38 | $11.56 | $139 |
| High (650 W) | $0.21 | $0.62 | $18.78 | $225 |
Appliance running-cost calculator
NTGaming PC: 100–650 W typical range.
2–4 h/day under load for a regular gamer; idle/desktop draw is far lower.
- Per day (3 h)
- $0.38
- Per month
- $11.56
- Per year (365 days)
- $138.75
Tariff: 31.7c/kWh — NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential) for the Power and Water network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Critical Hit — gaming system electricity use in Australia. Full gaming pc costs in NT →
The same appliance in other states
Cutting the cost
A gaming rig only pulls serious power under load, so turn on sleep and power-saving profiles for idle time and browsing. Cap the frame rate when you don't need every last one; the graphics card eases off and draws less. Try not to leave it grinding through downloads overnight unless you must, and switch off at the wall to kill the standby draw from the tower and monitors.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a gaming pc cost per hour in NT?
- $0.13 at the typical 400 W draw on NT's reference rate of 31.7c/kWh (Power and Water network). Efficient models run $0.03, high-draw models $0.21.
- 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 NT's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
- Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
- It's the NT Electricity Pricing Order 2026–27 (Jacana Energy standard residential) usage rate for the Power and Water network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See NT rates by zone.
Related
- NT electricity prices
- Average bill NT
- Ducted aircon in NT
- Split-system aircon in NT
- Portable aircon in NT
- Ceiling fan in NT
- Reverse-cycle heating in NT
- Critical Hit — gaming system electricity use in Australia
- Jacana Energy — residential pricing and tariffsverified
2–4 h/day under load for a regular gamer; idle/desktop draw is far lower.