UK households with washing machines could be spending more than £53 a year on them via their energy bill when the cost under the current price cap is projected over a year.
Utilita's Power Price List allows you to pick from a variety of household appliances and devices, with the electricity and gas supplier providing an estimated cost per use under the current Ofgem price cap standard variable tariff.
How the estimates are calculated
Explaining how the data behind the calculations shown on the tool, Utilita says its "expert analysts collate data from sellers and manufacturers websites as well as from our customers research and surveys".
"They also use values produced via the energy price cap. We use this data and update the Power Price List so it’s easy to understand."
Washing machines are a godsend for many households, but as with various other appliances, the costs can rack up over time.
Cost per use and annual projection
According to the tool, a washing machine costs roughly £0.19 per use under the current price cap. Under Utilita's calculation for typical use over the course of a year, it comes to an estimated £53.37.
However, actual usage will depend on how much you use it, and will vary between different models.
Additionally, while the Utilita estimates give you an illustrative sense of the costs the cap represents when projected over a longer period, the maximum limit on unit rates and standard charges is reviewed by the regulator every 3 months and doesn't remain in place for a full year.
Environmental impact and other details
Utilita's tool also allows you to see what the estimated environmental impact of appliances is over time.
The firm said: "Utilita has updated its Power Price List – the UK’s only live database that translates Ofgem’s price cap into the real‑world cost of powering everyday household electrical items.
"The update reflects Ofgem’s latest direct debit price cap, effective from July 1.
"The Power Price List breaks down the cost of running more than 100 common appliances and activities, from heating and cooking to laundry, lighting, entertainment and more."
"The less energy we use, the better it is for the planet," it adds. "That’s why the Power Price List also shows how the usage of common electrical items compares to the miles driven by a car – households may be shocked!"
In the case of a washing machine, Utilita says it amounts to the following: miles driven per use is 0.75 miles, and miles driven per year is 209.44 miles.
