What does a standby / phantom load (whole house) cost to run?
In New Zealand, a typical standby / phantom load (whole house) left on 24/7 as most NZ households do costs around $15/month at the current national average rate of 40.6c/kWh.
Monthly cost
$15
national average
Annual cost
$178
12 months at current rate
Cost per hour of use
$0.02
nameplate wattage × rate
| Region | Rate | Monthly |
|---|---|---|
| Queenstown | 40.3c/kWh | $15 |
| Dunedin | 39.6c/kWh | $14 |
| Christchurch | 36.6c/kWh | $13 |
Frequently asked
How much does a standby / phantom load (whole house) cost to run in NZ?
At the national average electricity rate of 40.6c/kWh, a typical standby / phantom load (whole house) costs about $15 per month, or $178 per year. Actual costs vary by region and how heavily you use it.
Which NZ region has the cheapest standby / phantom load (whole house) running cost?
Of the five centres shown on this page, Christchurch is the cheapest at $13/month, and Queenstown is the most expensive at $15/month. The 30% spread reflects regional MBIE retail rates.
Any tips for reducing this cost?
TVs, set-top boxes, chargers and microwaves on standby can eat 5-10% of your bill. Switch off at the wall.