What does a fridge/freezer (main) cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical fridge/freezer (main) left on 24/7 as most NZ households do costs around $44/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh. Modern fridges cycle on/off - 150W is the time-averaged draw
Monthly cost
$44
national average
Annual cost
$533
12 months at current rate
Cost per hour of use
$0.06
nameplate wattage × rate
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $44 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $43 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $40 |
Frequently asked
How much does a fridge/freezer (main) cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical fridge/freezer (main) costs about $44 per month, or $533 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest fridge/freezer (main) running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $40/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $44/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.