What an induction cooktop costs in each state
The table assumes one zone on a medium setting for an hour a day.
| State | Rate | A month | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| TasmaniaAurora Energy | 24.75c | $9.03 | $108 |
| QueenslandEnergex | 27.97c | $10.21 | $123 |
| Victoriaaverage of five networks | 28.2c | $10.29 | $123 |
| Northern TerritoryJacana Energy | 31.68c | $11.56 | $139 |
| New South WalesAusgrid | 33.14c | $12.10 | $145 |
| Western AustraliaSynergy | 33.26c | $12.14 | $146 |
| Australian Capital TerritoryEvoenergy network | 36.95c | $13.49 | $162 |
| South AustraliaSA Power Networks | 41.91c | $15.30 | $184 |
Running costs by setting
| Type | Power | Cost an hour | A year |
|---|---|---|---|
| One zone on medium | 1,200 W | 40c | $145 |
| One zone on high | 2,000 W | 66c | $242 |
| Two zones on high | 3,500 W | 116c | $423 |
| One zone on boost | 3,700 W | 123c | $448 |
The SA Government lists electric cooktop elements at 1,200 W to 2,400 W. Induction zones fall in a similar range on normal settings, with a short boost setting on many models for boiling water quickly. Because the boost runs for minutes at a time, it adds little to the bill.
Induction, ceramic and gas
Induction
- Heats the pan directly, so little heat is wasted
- Fast and easy to control
- No combustion fumes in the kitchen
- Needs induction-compatible cookware
- Higher purchase price
Best for: All-electric homes and anyone replacing a cooktop.
Ceramic or coil electric
- Works with any cookware
- Cheaper to buy
- Slower to heat and cool
- More heat escapes around the pan
Best for: Low-cost replacements.
Gas
- Familiar flame control
- Much of the heat goes past the pan
- A separate gas supply charge if gas is only for cooking
Best for: Homes already paying for gas heating or hot water.
Cooking is only a small part of most bills
Compared with heating, cooling and hot water, cooking costs relatively little. If you are thinking of disconnecting gas, the daily gas supply charge you save can matter more than the cooking energy. Our cheapest way to cook guide covers the trade-offs.
Questions about induction cooktop running costs
One zone on medium, about 1.2 kW, costs around 40c an hour on the Ausgrid reference rate. On high at 2 kW it is about 66c.
Induction puts more of its energy into the pan, while a gas flame loses much of its heat into the room. Whether it is cheaper per meal depends on your electricity and gas prices, but for homes that only use gas for cooking, removing the gas supply charge is often the larger saving.
It draws high power, but only for a few minutes at a time to bring water to the boil, so its effect on the bill is small.
Each zone typically draws between about 1.2 kW and 2.4 kW on normal settings, with higher boost levels on many models. The total rating of the cooktop is in the installation manual.
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.