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Cost to run a washing machine in Victoria (2026–27)

VIC reference tariff · 27.5c/kWh

$0.19 per hour at 700 W

Typical use (4 loads a week at 0.7 kWh per load) ≈ $40/year on the Jemena rate.

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

Washing machine cost in VIC at 4 h/day, 365 days/year (27.5c/kWh)
Model bandPer hourPer dayPer monthPer year
Efficient (400 W)$0.11$0.44$13.36$160
Typical (700 W)$0.19$0.77$23.38$281
High (1,400 W)$0.38$1.54$46.76$561

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

VIC

Washing 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.

$0.19 per hour · $281/year at your settings
Per day (4 h)
$0.77
Per month
$23.38
Per year (365 days)
$280.74

Tariff: 27.5c/kWh — ESC Victorian Default Offer 2026–27 for the Jemena network, effective 1 July 2026. Wattage basis: EcoFlow AU — washing machine power consumption. Full washing machine costs in VIC →

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 VIC?
$0.19 at the typical 700 W draw on VIC's reference rate of 27.5c/kWh (Jemena network). Efficient models run $0.11, high-draw models $0.38.
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.

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.