What does a heat pump (heating) cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical heat pump (heating) running at its typical daily hours costs around $71/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh. Enter your unit's rated heating output (e.g. '2.5 kW heat pump' = 2.5). The cost calc uses a real-world winter COP - heat pumps lose efficiency on cold NZ mornings.
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $71 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $70 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $64 |
Frequently asked
How much does a heat pump (heating) cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical heat pump (heating) costs about $71 per month, or $855 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest heat pump (heating) running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $64/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $71/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.
Any tips for reducing this cost?
Heat pumps produce 3-5× more heat per kW of electricity than plug-in heaters, though that drops to ~2.5× in a Canterbury frost