Electricity Cost Calculator
Find out what any appliance is costing you. Enter the wattage (check the label), how many hours per day you run it, and your unit rate per kWh.
How is this calculated?
kWh per day = (watts × hours) / 1000. Cost per day = kWh × price per kWh. Annual = cost per day × 365. Use the periodic option for shorter horizons (e.g. running a heater 30 days only).
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the average electricity unit rate in Ireland in 2026?
Standard tariffs are around €0.30–€0.35 per kWh. Night-rate (Smart Meter or Day/Night) plans charge less in off-peak hours, typically €0.15–€0.20. Check your latest bill — it'll show your effective unit rate.
How do I know an appliance's wattage?
Look on the device's label or in the user manual. Common examples: kettle ~3000W, electric heater 2000W, fridge 100–200W (averaged), TV 50–100W, LED bulb 5–15W, laptop 30–60W.
What appliances cost the most to run in Ireland?
Heat-generating devices: tumble dryer, electric heater, immersion, electric oven, kettle. A single tumble dryer cycle can use 4 kWh (€1.20+ at €0.30/kWh). Heating water and rooms electrically is the biggest household cost driver.
Should I switch to a smart meter / day-night tariff?
Generally yes if you can shift large loads (washing machine, dishwasher, EV charging, heating) to night hours. Day-night tariffs charge ~50% less off-peak but more on-peak. If most of your usage is daytime, standard tariffs may be cheaper.
How do standby costs add up?
Devices left in standby (TVs, set-top boxes, chargers) typically draw 1–10W each. Across a typical home that's 50–100W constantly = ~€150–€300/year in pure standby. Switch off at the wall when leaving for long periods.
Last updated: May 2026 · Rates sourced from Revenue