What does a plug-in oil column heater cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical plug-in oil column heater running at its typical daily hours costs around $119/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh.
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $118 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $116 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $107 |
Could swap for a modern heat pump
a modern heat pump uses about 38% of the energy, cutting the monthly bill to roughly $45. Over a year, that's $882 back in your pocket. Installed cost for a typical 2.5 kW split system in NZ is around $2,500-$3,500.
Frequently asked
How much does a plug-in oil column heater cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical plug-in oil column heater costs about $119 per month, or $1423 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest plug-in oil column heater running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $107/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $118/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.
Is there a cheaper alternative to a plug-in oil column heater?
Yes - swapping to a modern heat pump would use about 38% of the energy, saving roughly $882 per year. Installed cost for a typical 2.5 kW split system in NZ is around $2,500-$3,500.
Any tips for reducing this cost?
Replacing this with a heat pump could cut heating costs by 60-70%