Freezing and squeezing: 77% of Aussies aim to take action to cut back on their winter electricity bill
Millions of Australian households are terrified of electricity cost blowouts this winter, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,004 respondents revealed a whopping 77% of Australians – equivalent to 7.7 million households – are taking action to save on their winter energy bills.
Just over half (52%) plan to switch off the lights more to save money, while 48% will wear extra clothes.
The research found more than 2 in 5 (45%) will switch off their unused appliances, while 32% plan to take shorter showers.
More than 1 in 10 (13%) say they won't run their heater at all, while the same amount (13%) plan to switch energy providers to save money this winter.
Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder, said Australian households are feeling the pinch.
"Many experienced surprisingly high electricity bills this past summer.
"With further price adjustments anticipated on July 1st, Aussies are proactively seeking ways to reduce their winter energy expenses."
Gabaji said comparing energy plans is the most effective step towards securing a better deal.
"It's always worth contacting your current provider to negotiate a more favourable rate, but if they're not willing to budge, you might be better off switching.
"Energy prices vary significantly by as much as $700 a year, so don't be afraid to shop around."
Gabaji urged households to look at simple ways to save money during the colder months.
"Where possible, set your heaters between 18 and 20 degrees. Each additional degree of heating can add up to 10% to your heating costs.
"Don't be misled by the idea that smaller heaters are inherently more energy-efficient. These can significantly inflate your bills, especially if used to heat larger spaces.
"A long, hot shower may be tempting on a cold morning, but keeping it to 4 minutes can save on water and energy bills, as hot water makes up 29% of the average household's energy use."
Gabaji said if you're facing significant difficulties paying your electricity bill, reach out to your provider to explore hardship programs.
"They can also inform you about any available government rebates or concessions that could provide year-round financial relief," Gabaji said.
Will you do any of the following to save money on energy this winter?
| Switch off the lights more | 52% |
| Wear extra clothes | 48% |
| Switch off unused appliances | 45% |
| Only heat the room I'm using | 34% |
| Take shorter showers | 32% |
| Use an electric blanket instead of a heater | 14% |
| I won't run my heater at all | 13% |
| Switch energy providers | 13% |
| Nothing, I don't need to save money on energy this winter | 23% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,004 respondents, April 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 1,004 respondents from April 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
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