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Cost to run a window / portable air conditioner in Tasmania (2026–27)

TAS reference tariff · 28.0c/kWh

$0.34 per hour at 1,200 W

Typical use (6 h/day, 90 days a year at 1,200 W) ≈ $181/year on the TasNetworks rate.

Source: OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31, effective 1 July 2026

Portable aircon cost in TAS at 6 h/day, 90 days/year (28.0c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (700 W)$0.20$1.17$35.69$106
Typical (1,200 W)$0.34$2.01$61.19$181
High (2,000 W)$0.56$3.35$101.98$302

Appliance running-cost calculator

TAS

Portable aircon: 700–2,000 W typical range.

4–8 h/day, usually one room in the evening; portables often run flat-out.

$0.34 per hour · $181/year at your settings
Per day (6 h)
$2.01
Per month
$61.19
Per year (90 days)
$181.14

Tariff: 28.0c/kWh — OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31 for the TasNetworks network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: Aircon Advice — portable AC running costs (AU). Full portable aircon costs in TAS →

How TAS compares

  • Tasmania ranks 2nd cheapest of 8 states for this appliance: $181 a year at typical use, $3 more than Victoria and $90 less than South Australia.
  • On the TAS rate an efficient 700 W model costs $75 a year less than a typical 1,200 W one at 6 hours a day for 90 days.

The same appliance in other states

Cutting the cost

These are the least efficient way to cool a space, so use them as a spot fix, not an all-day habit. Seal the exhaust hose snugly in the window opening so hot air can't sneak back in. Cool one closed room rather than the whole house, and switch to a plain fan once it's comfortable. Empty or drain the unit as directed to keep it running properly.

Frequently asked questions

What does a window / portable air conditioner cost per hour in TAS?
$0.34 at the typical 1,200 W draw on TAS's reference rate of 28.0c/kWh (TasNetworks network). Efficient models run $0.20, high-draw models $0.56.
How is this calculated?
1,200 W is 1.2 kW; at 28.0c/kWh that is $0.34 an hour, $2.01 over 6 hours and $181 over 90 days. Change the watts, hours or days in the calculator above.
Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
It's the OTTER-approved Aurora Energy Standing Offer 2026–27 (approved 25 June 2026) — Tariff 31 usage rate for the TasNetworks network. TasNetworks is TAS's only network, and market offers can price under the reference. See TAS rates by zone.

Related

Sources — figures current as at 17 July 2026.

4–8 h/day, usually one room in the evening; portables often run flat-out.