Cozzie shivs: Aussies blame cost of living for soaring energy bills
Faced with expensive power bills, Aussies are more likely to blame the cost of living than their energy provider, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,017 respondents revealed 32% of Australians point to "no one in particular – it's just the cost of living" as the main culprit for energy bill shock.
The research shows fewer than 1 in 5 (17%) directly blame energy providers' rising rates, while 18% take personal responsibility, citing long showers or leaving lights on.
Only a handful shift the blame to others in the household – 6% name their partner or housemates, while 5% point the finger at their children.
Power prices recently increased by up to 9.7% or $280 for the year for households and up to $489 for small businesses.
Mariam Gabaji, energy expert at Finder, said the data paints a clear picture of helplessness in the face of ballooning energy expenses.
"Power bills keep climbing, and many households are overwhelmed by the price hikes."
Gabaji warned that apathy toward energy usage could be costing households.
"It's tempting to shrug and not modify usage – but small changes in energy habits really can make a difference to your bottom line.
"Ignoring wasteful habits is like leaving cash on the table."
Gabaji said while energy retailers had recently hiked prices again, consumers still had options.
"Many Australians are still on outdated or expensive plans. Switching can save you hundreds of dollars – and it takes minutes."
According to the research, 1 in 5 Australians (21%) say they rarely receive a higher-than-usual bill – a sign, Gabaji says, that proactive bill management and energy awareness are paying off for some.
"Those who rarely get a nasty surprise are usually the ones who monitor usage, compare plans regularly, have energy-efficient appliances, or have solar panels installed.
"It shows that with the right tools, it is possible to beat the trend."
Gabaji encouraged families to reframe the conversation around blame.
"Pointing fingers at kids or partners isn't productive. Instead, work together as a household to reduce usage – make it a team challenge, not a guilt trip."
Gabaji said with winter heating bills looming, now's the time to review your energy plan.
"Even if you're not on a basic plan (also known as the default market offer), sticking with the same provider for too long can mean missing out on better deals.
"The price difference between the cheapest and most expensive electricity plans in our database is as much as $500 to $700 a year – that's money straight back in your pocket."
When you receive an energy bill that is higher than usual, who or what do you primarily blame?
| No one in particular/ it's the cost of living | 32% |
| I rarely receive a higher than usual bill | 21% |
| Myself (e.g. leaving lights on, long showers) | 18% |
| Energy providers rising rates | 17% |
| My partner/housemates | 6% |
| My children | 5% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,017 Australians, June 2025 |  |
Methodology
- Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker is a monthly recurring nationally representative survey of more than 60,000 respondents.
- Figures in this release are based on 1,017 respondents from June 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
Did you know there's as much as a $500 to $700 a year price gap between the cheapest and most expensive electricity plans in Finder's database? Compare energy plans today.
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