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Electric Heating · Ofgem 1 July to 30 September 2026

500 W Panel Heater running cost — 5 h shoulder season

A 500 W Panel Heater (500 W) running 5 hours/day uses 2.50 kWh and costs 65.3p/day at the Ofgem cap of 26.11p/kWh (1 July to 30 September 2026).

500 W Panel Heater5 h shoulder season: 500 W ÷ 1000 × 5 h × 26.11p/kWh = 65.3p/day. Weekly (5 days): £3.26. Annual: £169.72. Coverage: Small bedroom, bathroom, hallway (~8 m²). Source: Energy Saving Trust (wattage, typical/indicative); Ofgem (OGL v3.0).

Per hour
13.1p
Per day (5 h)
65.3p
Per week (5 days)
£3.26
Per year
£169.72

Heater specification

Rated power
500 W (0.5 kWh/h)
Coverage
Small bedroom, bathroom, hallway (~8 m²)
Cost per kWh (Ofgem cap)
26.11p
Cost per hour
13.1p

Energy Saving Trust — typical 500 W panel heater rating

How the cost is worked out

  1. Wattage: 500 W Panel Heater draws 500 W = 0.5 kWh per hour.
  2. Daily use: 0.5 kWh × 5 h = 2.50 kWh/day.
  3. Daily cost: 2.50 kWh × 26.11p = 65.3p.
  4. Weekly (5 days): 65.3p × 5 = £3.26.
  5. Annual: £3.26 × 52 = £169.72.

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Updated each time the Ofgem cap changes.

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500 W wattage from Energy Saving Trust — Heating your home guide (typical appliance ratings) (typical/indicative). Unit rate 26.11p/kWh from Ofgem — Energy price cap unit rates and standing charges (1 July to 30 September 2026), OGL v3.0.