What a dishwasher costs to run in each state
The table assumes an average full-size dishwasher at 1 kWh a load, run five times a week.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $5.38 | $65 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $6.08 | $73 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $6.13 | $74 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $6.88 | $83 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $7.20 | $86 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $7.23 | $87 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $8.03 | $96 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $9.11 | $109 |
Cost per load by model and program
| Type | Energy | Cost a use | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Efficient full-size, eco program | 0.6 kWh | 20c | $52 |
| Average full-size dishwasher | 1 kWh | 33c | $86 |
| Older model or intensive program | 1.5 kWh | 50c | $130 |
| Benchtop dishwasher | 0.7 kWh | 23c | $60 |
| Type | Capacity | kWh a cycle |
|---|---|---|
| Built-in | Under 10 place settings | 0.35-1.02 |
| Built-in | 10 to 15 place settings | 0.54-1.56 |
| Freestanding | Under 10 place settings | 0.52-1.10 |
| Freestanding | 10 to 15 place settings | 0.57-1.61 |
| Benchtop | Under 10 place settings | 0.52-0.84 |
How to cut dishwasher running costs
Run full loads
A half-empty dishwasher uses nearly the same energy as a full one.
Use the eco program
It takes longer but heats the water less, which is where most of the energy goes.
Skip heated drying
Open the door at the end of the cycle and let the dishes air dry.
Run it in cheap hours
Use the delay start to run it overnight on off-peak, or at midday with solar or a free midday plan. See the best time to run appliances.
Dishwasher or the sink?
A full, efficient dishwasher often uses less energy and water than washing the same load by hand with hot water. Our dishwasher vs hand washing guide compares them.
Questions about dishwasher running costs
Between about 20c and 50c on the Ausgrid reference rate, depending on the model and program. An average full-size machine using 1 kWh costs about 33c.
The SA Government lists built-in dishwashers with 10 to 15 place settings at 0.54 to 1.56 kWh a cycle. The energy rating label shows the figure for a specific model.
Yes. Eco programs use lower water temperatures over a longer cycle, which uses less energy even though they take more time.
On a flat rate, any time. On time of use, overnight off-peak or the cheap midday window. With solar or a free midday plan, run it in the middle of the day.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.