COST-OF-LIVING CRUNCH DRIVES AUSSIES TO SLASH ENERGY USE

Australians are rethinking everything from how long they shower to whether they turn on the heater, as the cost-of-living crisis forces households to cut back on energy use.

New research from comparison website iSelect reveals that 79% of people have changed their energy habits in the past 12 months.

It’s a statistic that underscores just how much everyday life is being reshaped by rising power bills.

Small sacrifices can help slash energy use.

The survey shows that more than half of households (52%) are using their heating and cooling less, a move that could leave families uncomfortably hot as the warmer months arrive.

Others are shortening their showers (38%) or switching off appliances more frequently (40%). While these may seem like minor changes, the cumulative effect on daily comfort, from colder winter mornings to stuffier summer nights, is significant.

For families, this often means telling kids to put on another jumper instead of turning up the heater, or setting stricter rules around leaving devices plugged in.

For singles and couples, it can mean cutting back on luxuries like long hot showers or the ease of

climate-controlled comfort.

Long-term solutions are still out of reach for many

Not everyone is relying on short-term fixes. Almost half of the households surveyed (46%) reported investing in longer-term upgrades, such as energy-efficient appliances.

Insulation, LED lighting, or solar panels. These measures can deliver substantial savings over time, but they also require upfront costs that many can’t meet.

Around 38% of people who hadn’t upgraded their homes said they couldn’t afford to, highlighting how the cost-of-living crunch can trap households in a cycle of high bills and limited options.

The missed opportunity: shopping around

Beyond lifestyle changes and home upgrades, the research found a simple step many Australians are ignoring: comparing energy providers.

More than six in ten (64%) of those who have the option to switch admitted they hadn’t checked their energy plan in over a year.

That’s a costly oversight, according to iSelect expert Hannah Norton. “With energy bills continuing to rise, households are cutting back where they can, but many are still missing out on simple savings.

Comparing providers can be one of the quickest and easiest ways to find a better deal without sacrificing comfort in your own home.”

She warns that loyalty often comes at a price. “Too frequently, households can end up paying more by staying with the same energy provider for a more extended period of time, with new customers often receiving better rates than those who have fallen to a default offer.

Comparing could help you keep hundreds of dollars in your back pocket.”

Rising bills meet rising temperatures.

Energy costs aren’t likely to ease anytime soon. Analysts warn that supply pressures, extreme weather events, and broader market volatility will continue to keep household bills under strain throughout 2025.

With another hot Australian summer on the horizon, households will face the challenge of keeping cool affordably.

For many families, this means weighing up whether to run the air conditioner or endure sleepless nights in sweltering bedrooms.

It could also drive further adoption of low-cost lifestyle tweaks, such as blackout curtains, fans, and more innovative use of natural ventilation, as people seek ways to stay comfortable without breaking the bank.

Finding balance

While the statistics paint a sobering picture, they also reveal a nation becoming increasingly aware of its energy use.

From embracing solar power to rethinking everyday habits, Australians are adapting in ways both big and small.

The challenge will be balancing comfort, cost and sustainability in the months ahead.