Estimated Monthly Electricity Cost
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Home Energy Usage Estimator
Select the appliances you use, adjust how often you use them, and see your estimated monthly electricity cost broken down by device. A useful starting point for understanding where your energy spend is going.
Tip! — This estimator covers electricity only. Gas appliances such as boilers and gas hobs are billed separately. Results are estimates based on typical wattages — actual costs vary by appliance age, efficiency and your exact usage.
April 2026 Ofgem average pre-filled
Kitchen
Cost by Appliance
Select appliances and run calculation to see breakdown
Full Breakdown
| Appliance | Monthly kWh | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Run calculation to see breakdown | |||
GUIDE
How to Lower Your Energy Bills
Once you know which appliances are costing the most, find out the practical steps that make the biggest difference to your bill.
Read Guide →How to Use the Energy Usage Estimator
Step-by-Step
- Check your unit rate — the April 2026 Ofgem average of 24.67p/kWh is pre-filled. Enter your own rate from your bill for a more accurate result.
- Select your appliances — tick the appliances you use. Each card shows default usage frequency based on UK averages.
- Adjust usage — change the frequency and duration to match your actual habits. The more accurate your inputs the more useful the result.
- Click Calculate — see your total estimated monthly cost, a visual breakdown by appliance, and a full table showing monthly and annual costs for each device.
Understanding Your Results
The results show estimated electricity costs based on typical appliance wattages and the usage frequency and duration you enter. Appliances that heat or cool things — showers, ovens, tumble dryers, immersion heaters — tend to dominate because they combine high wattage with relatively long run times. Appliances that run continuously, like fridge-freezers and routers, add up steadily over time even at lower wattages.
This estimator does not include gas appliances. If you have a gas boiler, gas hob or gas oven your gas costs are calculated separately on your energy bill. Use the Unit Cost Calculator with your gas meter readings and unit rate to estimate your gas spend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which appliances use the most electricity?
In most UK homes the biggest electricity users are electric showers, tumble dryers, electric ovens, immersion heaters and washing machines. Fridge-freezers are also significant because they run continuously 24 hours a day, every day.
How much does a tumble dryer cost to run?
A typical tumble dryer uses around 2.5 kWh per cycle, costing approximately 62p per cycle at the April 2026 rate of 24.67p/kWh. Running it twice a week costs around £64 per year — but older vented dryers can cost significantly more.
How much does an electric shower cost per shower?
A typical 9kW electric shower running for 10 minutes uses 1.5 kWh, costing around 37p per shower at current rates. Daily use for one person adds up to approximately £133 per year.
Does this include gas appliances?
No. This estimator covers electricity only. Gas boilers, gas hobs and gas ovens are not included — they are metered separately and billed in kWh at your gas unit rate. Use the Unit Cost Calculator for gas costs.
How accurate are the estimates?
The estimator uses typical appliance wattages and UK average usage patterns as defaults. Results are estimates — actual costs vary depending on your appliance's age, energy efficiency rating, specific usage habits, and your exact unit rate. Enter your own rate from your bill for the most accurate result.
Why is my fridge-freezer so expensive to run annually?
Fridge-freezers run 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Even at a modest 150W that adds up to over 1,300 kWh per year — around £321 at current rates. An older, less efficient model running at higher wattage can cost significantly more.