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How much does an electric oven cost to run?

Written by James Whitfield · Updated 28 October 2026 · 6 min read · Checked against 2026/27 DWP & HMRC rates
Contents (4 sections)
  1. Quick answer: electric oven running costs
  2. Where the figure comes from
  3. Cooking for less
  4. Who these figures cover
Quick answer: electric oven running costs
  • The government's Home Energy Model uses 0.59 kWh for one use of an electric oven: 15.5p at 26.32p per kWh.12
  • Five uses a week: 77.6p a week, £40.37 a year.
  • Your oven may use more or less: it depends on the oven, the temperature and how long it is on.
  • Last checked: 28 October 2026.

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Where the figure comes from

The government's Home Energy Model uses these as defaults for efficient new appliances: they are the “25th Percentile Energy Use” of permitted products, not household averages.1

Cooking for less

Cooking more than one dish at a time, and using a smaller appliance for small portions, means the oven runs for less time.

Microwave running costs →

Who these figures cover

Costs use the Ofgem price cap average for England, Scotland and Wales, 26.32p per kWh by Direct Debit, 1 October to 31 December 2026. Your region and tariff change it.2

HMRC: “The temporary zero rate applies from 1 October 2026 to 30 June 2027.” The Budget on 28 October 2026 extended it from 31 March (announced; the legislation is due in early 2027). Gas stays at 5% VAT.3 In Northern Ireland, use the unit rate on your bill.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to use an electric oven?
About 15.5p a use at 0.59 kWh, the government model's figure.
How much does an oven cost per hour?
It depends on its power, temperature and how long it is on. The rating plate gives the most it could use.

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Sources & references

The figures and rules in this guide are drawn from the official UK government sources below. Rates are the confirmed 2026/27 amounts. Each link opens the relevant official page in a new tab.

  1. DESNZ: Home Energy Model, appliance assumptions (HEMFHS-TP-05, v2.0, March 2026), Table 2 assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/69c29b88b920af63be1c7771/hemfhs-tp-05-fhs-appliances-assumptions.pdf
  2. Ofgem: Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges, 1 October to 31 December 2026 www.ofgem.gov.uk/your-energy-supply/your-energy-bill/energy-price-cap-unit-rates-and-standing-charges
  3. HMRC: VAT on fuel and power (Notice 701/19), updated 28 October 2026 www.gov.uk/guidance/vat-on-fuel-and-power-notice-70119
Verified against published UK government guidance.
Independent guide only. Written using published 2026/27 DWP and HMRC figures. Not an official government service. For case-specific guidance, contact Citizens Advice or a welfare-rights adviser. Methodology · Editorial standards

Written and reviewed by James Whitfield and the editorial team.

Every figure is checked against current GOV.UK guidance and reviewed for the 2026/27 tax year. We explain the numbers in plain English with worked examples. Editorial standards · About us