UK households with washing machines could incur an annual charge of £138 starting April 1. The cost of running a one-hour cycle will increase to 38p, up from 35p, representing a £11.09 rise per year. Experts at Dr Beckmann caution that 85 percent of UK households operate their washing machines during peak energy hours, which are from 8am to 10pm. Chloe Baker from Dr Beckmann advises households to take advantage of the "magic hour" between 10pm and 8am to reduce energy costs.