Households with kettles hit with £75.37 charges

Households with microwaves could be spending more than £70 a year on the appliance via their energy bill when the cost under the current price cap is projected over a year. Kettles are among the most energy-intensive appliances in your kitchen while they're running, though they only use electricity for a short amount of time to boil water for cooking or a cup of tea.

Regularly sticking the kettle on is something many do without even thinking. But how much is it costing in the long run? Utilita’s Power Price List allows you to pick from a variety of household appliances, with the elecrity and gas supplier providing an estimated cost per use under the current Ofgem price cap standard variable tariff.

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According to the firm, it costs 5p 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 £75.37.

However, actual usage will depend on how much you use it, and may vary between devices. Additionally, while the 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.

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!”