What Does It Cost?
South African electricity calculator

How much does this appliance cost to run?

Use our simple calculator to estimate your appliance electricity costs in Rands. Enter your appliance details and your electricity tariff to get instant estimates.

Results are estimates. Actual costs vary by appliance efficiency, usage patterns, and your municipality's tariff structure.

Electricity Tariff
Enter your electricity rate per kWh from your latest bill. Check your account statement or municipality rate card.
Add Your Appliances
Build your household appliance list. You can add appliances, edit them, and delete any that you don't need. When ready, click Calculate to see your electricity costs.

Disclaimer: These are rough estimates. Actual electricity costs depend on appliance efficiency, exact usage patterns, your municipality's tariff structure, seasonal variations, and any demand charges. Check your bill to verify your actual tariff rate.

Typical appliance wattages

Water Heating

Geyser: 3000–5000W | Kettle: 2000–3000W

Cooking

Electric stove: 2000–3500W | Air fryer: 1500W | Microwave: 800–1200W

Climate Control

Space heater: 1500–2500W | Air conditioner: 1500–3500W

Laundry

Washing machine: 1000–1500W | Tumble dryer: 2000–3000W

Outdoor

Pool pump: 750–1500W

Electronics

Desktop PC: 300–500W | Laptop: 50–100W | TV: 100–200W

How to use this calculator

  1. 1. Enter your appliance name or select from common types
  2. 2. Enter the appliance wattage (shown in the manual or on the label)
  3. 3. Enter how many hours per day you use it
  4. 4. Enter your electricity tariff (R per kWh) from your most recent bill
  5. 5. See your estimated costs per hour, day, week, month, and year

Finding your electricity tariff

Your electricity rate varies by municipality and tariff structure. Check your latest electricity bill for your rate per kWh (kilowatt-hour). Common rates range from R2.50 to R5.00+ per kWh depending on your location and usage tier.

Note: Some municipalities use tiered pricing (rates increase with usage), seasonal rates, or time-of-use rates. This calculator uses a single flat rate for simplicity. Your actual costs may differ.

About these estimates

This calculator provides rough estimates only. Actual electricity costs depend on:

  • • Appliance age and efficiency
  • • Actual daily usage patterns
  • • Your municipality's tariff structure and seasonal rates
  • • Power factor and electrical losses
  • • Demand charges (if applicable)