How much does an electric shower cost to run?

What we’ll cover in this guide…

In this guide, we’ll explain exactly how much an electric shower costs to run and what factors can influence the price of each shower, including kW rating, typical shower length, electricity tariffs and seasonal settings. We’ll explore real-world running cost examples using current UK energy prices, compare electric showers with mixer showers for both cost and efficiency, and share practical tips to help you reduce electricity use without sacrificing comfort. Essentially, there’s key advice on how to keep your shower routine efficient, predictable and budget-friendly.

Electric shower running costs

With electricity unit rates currently at 27.69p per kWh under the January 2026 price cap, it’s understandable if you feel a little anxious about your energy bills each time you switch on your electric shower. Unlike soaking in a bath that requires heating a large volume of water regardless of how long you’re relaxing for, an electric shower gives you more control.

As an electric shower heats water on demand, it allows you to manage your costs in real time. So, whether taking a shower costs 15p or 50p is all dependent on a few controllable variables, such as the power rating of your electric shower and the duration.

In this guide we’ll explain all you need to know about electric shower running costs and share some tips on how to reduce them.

What affects the running costs of an electric shower?

There are several variables that affect the running cost of an electric shower. Understanding these variables allows you to see where your money is going and where you can save.

kW rating: this tells you how much energy the heating element consumes per hour. Low power electric showers, so 7.5kW – 8.5kW, use less electricity per minute, but often have a weaker flow. High power models, 9.5kW – 10.5kW, use significantly more power but deliver a high pressure feel.

Shower duration: as an electric shower heats water instantly, the cost scales linearly with time, so doubling your shower duration from 5 minutes to 10 minutes will literally double the running cost. With current electricity rates, every extra 2 minutes with a 10.5kW shower will add approximately 10p to your bill. Over a year, that 2 minute habit will cost one person an extra £36.50.

Electricity tariff: the cost per shower is tied to your unit rate, pence per kWh and most UK homes are currently capped at 27.69p per kWh. For off peak and economy 7, and if you shower very early in the morning, it can cost you significantly less than the standard rate.

Seasonal settings: as the seasons change, the temperature of the mains water entering your home changes, which has an impact on how hard your shower must work. To achieve a comfortable shower temperature during winter, an electric shower must run on its high power setting, using both heating elements. During summer, you can switch your shower to the eco setting, which turns off one element, and therefore can halve your electric usage while maintaining the same temperature.

How much electricity does an electric shower use?

To understand the running cost of your electric shower, you first need to understand how it uses electricity. An electric shower is an on-demand unit that consumes a large amount of electricity in a short amount of time. Here’s an overview of how to understand kWh, the units on your bill:

Electricity is sold in kilowatt-hours, so 1 kW is the rate of the flow, and 1 kWh is the total amount used. If you have a 10kW electric shower, and it was left running for an hour, it will consume 10 lots of (kWh) of electricity.

Here’s how much energy different electric showers use based on their power rating:

5 minute shower: for an 8.5kW electric shower, taking a 5 minute shower uses approximately 0.7 kWh, while a 10.5kW unit uses around 0.88 kWh.

10 minute shower: for an 8.5kW electric shower, taking a 10 minute shower uses approximately 1.4 kWh, while a 10.5kW unit uses around 1.7 kWh.

Although we can provide a calculation of the energy used, your energy bill depends on factors such as variable tariffs, standing charges, and the time of year (winter or summer).

Typical electric shower running costs

To give you an idea of potential spending, we have calculated ranges based on common household habits. These figures are intended as a guide, and your bill will vary based on your specific setup.

These estimates for the cost per electric shower use the January 2026 price cap electricity rate of 27.69p per kWh:

• Using an 8.5kW shower for 5 mins will cost approximately 20p per shower / £6 a month
• Using a 9.5kW shower for 8 mins will cost approximately 35p per shower / £10.50 a month
• Using a 10.5kW shower for 10 mins will cost approximately 48p per shower / £14.40 a month

These ranges are based on the following assumptions:

• You pay via direct debit
• The shower is running at its full power rating
• The shower head is free of limescale to ensure optimal flow and heating efficiency

Are electric showers more expensive than mixer showers?

Whether an electric shower is more expensive than a mixer shower all depends on if you’re looking at the daily running costs of electricity usage or the installation price, but neither is a clear cut winner in every scenario.

Running costs

The main reason there’s a cost difference between running an electric shower and a mixer shower is due to the price of fuel. Gas is much cheaper per unit than electricity.

Mixer showers: these take hot water from your boiler, and as gas costs around 5.9p per kWh, a mixer shower can be up to three or four times cheaper to run per minute.

Electric showers: although electricity is more expensive, an electric shower is 100% efficient at the point of use. It only heats the exact amount of water you use, whereas with a mixer shower, it results in lost heat left in the pipes or a partially cooled down water tank.

Installation & practicality

Mixer showers may win on running costs, but electric showers usually win on price and reliability.

Upfront cost: electric showers are a generally cheaper and simpler modern shower option to install, as they only require a cold water feed and an electrical connection.

Reliability: as an electric shower is independent of your boiler, it means you can still enjoy a hot shower if the boiler breaks down.

How to reduce electric shower running costs

Although an electric shower uses a lot of power, there are ways to reduce the running cost. As the water is heated instantly, making just small adjustments to how you use the unit can help to save energy.

• Make use of the eco setting – this can help to cut your electricity usage by up to 50%. The flow of water may feel a little weaker, but is more than sufficient, especially during the warmer months when the mains water is naturally warmer.
• Spend less time showering – as an electric shower is billed by the minute, reducing the time spent in the shower is the most effective way to reduce the running costs.
• Choose an appropriate kW rating – even though a lower kW unit is cheaper to run, it has a lower flow rate. But if you have a water meter, a lower kW electric shower also saves money by using less water per minute, helping to reduce both electric and water bills.
• Remove limescale build-up – a shower head that’s clogged with limescale forces the unit to work harder to maintain the temperature and flow. Make sure to descale the shower head once a month to ensure optimal efficiency.

Are electric showers energy efficient?

Even though electric showers use a large amount of power when in use, they are designed to minimise wastage in the way a traditional system cannot.

As an electric shower is completely efficient at the point of use, it means almost every penny you spend on electricity is converted directly into heat for your water. Unlike a gas boiler or hot water cylinder, which heats up a large volume of water that can sit unused for hours, an electric shower only heats water when you are using it. Furthermore, because the water is heated inside the electric shower unit, no heat is lost as water travels through copper piping from a boiler to the shower head. 

Shop electric showers online from Big Bathroom Shop

One of the main advantages of an electric shower is its predictability. Unlike traditional showers or heating systems, an electric shower provides a clear pay as you go experience and you are only billed for the exact amount of time the water is running. Understanding your electric shower’s kW rating and making use of the eco settings allows you to maintain control over your energy bills. So, whether you want a relaxing soak or a quick refresh, our electric showers offer the perfect solution to your shower needs.

Shop an excellent range of electric showers online from Big Bathroom Shop today, and let us know about any and all of your shower upgrades by reaching out to us on Instagram, Facebook or X.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are electric showers expensive to run? 

While the cost per hour is high, the impact an electric shower has on your bill is manageable because it’s typically used for very short periods of time.

How much electricity does a 9.5kW shower use?

A 9.5kW electric shower uses a large amount of electricity in a short burst. How much electricity it uses all depends on how long you keep it running for

Is an electric shower cheaper than a mixer shower?

This all depends on whether you’re looking at the daily running costs or the cost of purchase and installation. But neither is a clearcut winner.

Do eco modes reduce running costs?

Yes, using the eco mode on an electric shower provides an effective way to reduce running costs

Does water pressure affect electric shower costs?

Yes, water pressure does affect electric shower costs. Because an electric shower heats water on demand, the connection between the water flow and power consumption is a balancing act.

How long should a shower be to save energy?

To maximise energy savings, the gold standard for a shower is 4 minutes. Major providers like British Gas and the Energy Saving Trust recommend 4 minutes as the most effective way to balance hygiene with cost and carbon reductions.