Fleeced and freezing: 1.2 million households going cold this winter
Key takeaways
- 79% of Australians are taking steps to save on their winter power bill.
- Worryingly, 12% of Australians say they won't run their heater at all.
- Aussies paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for energy last year.
Millions of Australians are going cold this winter, cutting heating and daily energy use to avoid bill shock, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,019 respondents revealed 79% of Australians are taking action to save money on their energy bills this winter.
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Nearly half of Aussies (49%) say they will wear extra layers, while the same number (49%) will switch off the lights more.
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More than 1 in 3 (36%) intend to only heat the room they're using, while 33% say they'll take shorter showers in a bid to rein in energy bills.
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Worryingly, 12% of Australians say they won't run their heater at all this winter to avoid high power costs, highlighting the extent of the cost-of-living pressure facing households.
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That's 1.2 million households that won't heat their houses this winter.
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Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said households are going to extreme lengths to stay on top of rising costs.
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"It's confronting to see so many Australians deciding it's simply too expensive to stay warm this winter.
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"Energy prices remain stubbornly high, and it's forcing people into difficult trade-offs between comfort and cost. For some, that means enduring a cold home.
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"Going without proper heating isn't just uncomfortable – it can have real impacts on health and wellbeing, particularly for older Australians and young children.
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"The pressure of rising energy bills can also spill into other areas of the budget, with families cutting back on essentials to make ends meet."
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Recent Finder analysis shows Australians paid $2.9 billion in loyalty tax for their energy in 2025.
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Gabaji said there are still ways Australians can keep winter energy bills manageable.
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"Simple steps – like comparing energy plans and switching providers, or using more efficient heating options like electric blankets – can help reduce costs.
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"There may also be rebates available to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances, depending on your state. It's worth checking what support is available."
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Research from Taxlite based on data from Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) estimates that Australian households leave at least $356.9 million per year in state energy and water concessions unclaimed — support they're eligible for but never receive.
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Gabaji said energy retailers are banking on customers not shopping around.
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"If you haven't compared in the last 12 months you are almost certainly paying too much.
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"A quick comparison could make a real difference to your bill this winter."
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Just 1 in 5 Aussies (21%) say they don't need to save money on energy use this winter.
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Will you do any of the following to save money on energy this winter?
| Wear extra clothes | 49% |
| Switch off the lights more | 49% |
| Switch off unused appliances | 45% |
| Only heat the room I'm using | 36% |
| Take shorter showers | 33% |
| Use an electric blanket instead of a heater | 14% |
| I won't run my heater at all | 12% |
| Switch energy providers | 12% |
| I don't need to save money on energy this winter | 21% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,019 respondents, April 2026 |  |
Credits
- PR & Insights research team: Taylor Blackburn, Kate Boddington, Natascha Kwiet-Evans, William Capada
- Survey operation: Qualtrics
Sources
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