Cost to run a washing machine in Australian Capital Territory (2026–27)
ACT reference tariff · 37.0c/kWh
Typical use (4 loads a week at 0.7 kWh per load) ≈ $54/year on the Evoenergy rate.
Source: ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer), effective 1 July 2026
| Model band | Per hour | Per day | Per month | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient (400 W) | $0.15 | $0.59 | $17.97 | $216 |
| Typical (700 W) | $0.26 | $1.03 | $31.45 | $378 |
| High (1,400 W) | $0.52 | $2.07 | $62.91 | $755 |
The headline annual figure uses this appliance's measured energy per use (0.7 kWh per cycle (cold wash)) rather than a constant draw — the table shows constant-draw costs at your chosen hours.
Appliance running-cost calculator
ACTWashing machine: 400–1,400 W typical range.
A cycle runs 1–2 h; 3–5 loads a week is typical. A warm/hot wash uses 1.0–2.0 kWh because water heating dominates.
- Per day (4 h)
- $1.03
- Per month
- $31.45
- Per year (365 days)
- $377.67
Tariff: 37.0c/kWh — ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer) for the Evoenergy network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — washing machine power consumption. Full washing machine costs in ACT →
The same appliance in other states
Cutting the cost
Most of a wash's energy goes into heating water, so choose a cold or cool cycle for everyday loads; modern detergents cope fine. Run full loads rather than half-empty ones, use the eco setting, and let a high spin speed wring out more water so the dryer has less to do. Front-loaders generally use less water and power than top-loaders for the same wash.
Frequently asked questions
- What does a washing machine cost per hour in ACT?
- $0.26 at the typical 700 W draw on ACT's reference rate of 37.0c/kWh (Evoenergy network). Efficient models run $0.15, high-draw models $0.52.
- 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 ACT's 2026–27 reference rate — change the assumptions in the calculator above.
- Is the tariff here what I actually pay?
- It's the ICRC retail electricity price recalibration 2026–27 (ActewAGL standing offer) usage rate for the Evoenergy network — the government reference. Your market offer may be a little under it; your zone may differ. See ACT rates by zone.
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- EcoFlow AU — washing machine power consumption
- ActewAGL — schedule of standard contract electricity prices from 1 July 2026verified
A cycle runs 1–2 h; 3–5 loads a week is typical. A warm/hot wash uses 1.0–2.0 kWh because water heating dominates.