How Much Does It Cost to Run a Electric shower in the UK?
Last updated 5 October 2026 · Prices based on the Ofgem price cap (October 2026 – December 2026)
Electric showers heat water instantly with an 8.5–10.5kW element — the most powerful appliance in most homes. Shower length is everything: a 10-minute shower costs roughly twice a 5-minute one.
Appliance running cost calculator
A 9,500W electric shower running 0.17 hours a day costs about £0.43 per day (£155 a year) at 26.32p/kWh.
- Per hour
- £2.50
- Per day
- £0.43
- Per week
- £2.98
- Per month
- £13
- Per year
- £155
- kWh per year
- 588
Based on 9500W ÷ 1,000 × 0.17h × 26.32p/kWh. Standing charge not included.
- Electric heater£958
- Immersion heater£575
- Oil-filled radiator£503
- Fan heater£383
- Electric shower£155
- Dehumidifier£153
- Tumble dryer£137
- Fridge freezer£114
- Electric oven£99
- Dishwasher£92
- Heated airer£74
- Kettle£57
- Washing machine£55
- Air fryer£51
- Slow cooker£44
- Electric blanket£10
Electric shower running cost by wattage and time (at 26.32p/kWh)
| Wattage | 5 min | 10 min | 15 min |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7,500W | £0.16 | £0.34 | £0.49 |
| 8,500W | £0.18 | £0.38 | £0.56 |
| 9,500W | £0.20 | £0.43 | £0.63 |
| 10,500W | £0.22 | £0.47 | £0.69 |
Typical electric shower cost per day, month and year
| Period | Energy used | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Per hour | 9.50 kWh | £2.50 |
| Per day | 1.62 kWh | £0.43 |
| Per month | 49.0 kWh | £13 |
| Per year | 588 kWh | £155 |
What affects the cost
Shower length
The biggest single factor.
Power rating
Ranges from 7.5kW to 10.5kW.
Temperature setting
Hotter water in winter uses more energy.
Flow rate
Higher flow needs more heating.
Cheaper alternatives to a electric shower
• Shorter showers (4 minutes) • Eco shower heads with lower flow • Gas combi boiler shower • Shower timer
How to reduce the cost
- Use a 4-minute shower timer
- Use the eco or lower power setting
- Descale the head
- Fit an aerated shower head
Frequently asked questions
How much does a electric shower cost per hour in the UK?
About £2.50 per hour for a 9,500W model at 26.32p/kWh.
How do I work out what my electric shower costs to run?
Divide the wattage by 1,000 to get kW, multiply by the hours used, then multiply by your unit rate in pence. Our calculator above does this for you.
How much does a 10-minute electric shower cost?
A 9.5kW shower for 10 minutes costs about £0.42.
Is an electric shower cheaper than a gas shower?
Electric showers heat only the water you use, but gas is cheaper per kWh, so a combi-boiler shower is usually a bit cheaper per minute.
Does the standing charge affect appliance running costs?
No. The electricity standing charge is a fixed daily fee you pay whether or not the appliance is on, so it is excluded from these figures.
Sources and methodology
Energy prices come from the Ofgem price cap for Direct Debit customers (GB average). Installation costs are typical UK ranges from installer quotes and industry guidance, rounded. Savings use today's rates and do not predict future prices.