What an electric blanket costs to run in each state
The table assumes a queen blanket on high for two hours a night, every night of the year.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $2.26 | $27 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $2.55 | $31 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $2.57 | $31 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $2.89 | $35 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $3.02 | $36 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $3.04 | $36 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $3.37 | $40 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $3.82 | $46 |
Most people use an electric blanket for four or five months, not all year, so a real winter costs well under the yearly figure.
Settings and sizes
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Queen blanket on high | 150 W | 5c | $36 |
| Queen blanket on low | 60 W | 2c | $15 |
| Single blanket on high | 80 W | 3c | $19 |
Wattage depends on size and setting. A single blanket uses less than a queen, and low settings use a fraction of high. Many blankets have dual controls, so each side can run independently.
Cheaper than heating the room
| Option | Cost an hour, flat rate |
|---|---|
| Heated throw or rug | 4-6c |
| Electric blanket | 5-6c |
| Small reverse cycle air conditioner | 10-14c |
| Radiant heater | 38-52c |
| Electric portable heater | 92c-$1.25 |
The SA Government's advice is to heat the person, not the room. For one or two people who are not moving around, a blanket or heated throw is the cheapest option by a long way. See our cheapest way to heat a home guide.
Using an electric blanket safely and cheaply
Pre-warm, then switch off
Turn it on 20 to 30 minutes before bed and off when you get in.
Use low settings overnight
If you keep it on, use the lowest setting or a model with an automatic timer.
Check it each winter
Look for worn cords, scorch marks or bunched wires before the first use of the season, and replace a damaged blanket.
Safety
Lay the blanket flat, never fold it while it is on, and do not use it with a hot water bottle or on a waterbed unless the maker says it is suitable.
Questions about electric blanket running costs
Pre-warming a queen blanket on high for half an hour costs about 2c on the Ausgrid reference rate. Running it on low for eight hours costs about 16c.
Much cheaper. A queen blanket on high costs about 5c an hour on the Ausgrid reference rate, while a 2,400 W fan heater costs about 80c.
Many modern blankets are designed for overnight use on a low setting and have automatic timers. Check the instructions for your model. Pre-warming and switching off is cheaper and is the safest habit.
Two hours a night on high for 120 nights uses about 36 kWh, or roughly $12 on the Ausgrid reference rate.
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.