How we work it out
Fridges are rated in kWh per year on the energy label, measured under standard test conditions, so the maths is just that figure times your state's rate. The model search and the class medians come straight from the energyrating.gov.au registration database, the government registry of every fridge approved for sale in Australia, using the July 2026 snapshot of about 3,700 current models. Compressors and insulation have improved a lot. The current median for a 300 to 400 L fridge is 272 kWh a year, while the same size from 2005 chews through double that.
Worked example: a modern family fridge in NSW: 272 kWh × 32.4¢ = about $88 a year. The 20-year-old veteran out in the garage: around $260 a year, and more in summer when a hot garage makes it work overtime.
About that second fridge
Nearly a third of Australian homes run one, and it's usually the oldest, least efficient fridge in the house keeping a modest collection of drinks cold. If yours costs $200 or more a year, the question is whether the convenience earns its keep, or whether it goes on before Christmas and off after Australia Day. Some state energy programs will even pay you to retire it.
Common questions
How much does a fridge cost to run per year in Australia?
A modern 300 to 500 L fridge costs $90 to $140 a year on current reference rates. Fridges over 15 years old commonly cost $200 to $300 for the same job.
Is it worth replacing an old fridge to save power?
If it's over 15 years old, often yes. Saving $100 to $200 a year pays off a mid-range replacement within its lifetime, and the old unit is usually worth retiring rather than demoting to the garage.
Where do I find my fridge's energy figure?
On the red and yellow energy rating label, listed as kWh per year. If the label is long gone, the model number plus the energyrating.gov.au registry will find it.
What this costs, state by state
The registry-median modern 300 to 400 L fridge.
| State | Rate | Per quarter | Per year |
|---|---|---|---|
| New South Wales | 32.4¢ | $22.03 | $88.13 |
| Victoria | 29.8¢ | $20.26 | $81.06 |
| Queensland | 31.2¢ | $21.22 | $84.86 |
| South Australia | 38.1¢ | $25.91 | $104 |
| Western Australia | 33.6¢ | $22.85 | $91.39 |
| Tasmania | 28.9¢ | $19.65 | $78.61 |
| Australian Capital Territory | 27.4¢ | $18.63 | $74.53 |
| Northern Territory | 31.7¢ | $21.56 | $86.22 |
Reference rates for 2026–27. Your row is highlighted once you set your location.
Sources
Electricity rates: AER Default Market Offer (NSW, SA, south-east QLD), Victorian Default Offer, and each remaining state's regulated tariff, current for 2026–27. Appliance figures: the energyrating.gov.au registration database (July 2026 snapshot). Methods and assumptions are described on each page.