Power bills are pushing 41% of Gen X to set “energy rules” at home
Key takeaways
- 41% of Gen X have brought in their own household "energy rules" to keep power bills down, the highest rate of any generation.
- Overall, 47% of Australians say their electricity bill is already higher than a year ago, and 48% reckon it'll climb again over the next 12 months.
- Yet only 34% are confident they're on the best energy plan, so a five-minute comparison could save you more than switching off the lights ever will.
If you've started nagging your family members or housemates about leaving the lights on or taking too many long, hot showers, you're not the only one.
New research from Finder's 2026 Energy Report found that 41% of Gen X have introduced their own household energy rules to keep a lid on their power bills, the highest rate of any generation.
So what exactly are "energy rules"?
Pretty much what they sound like. Households setting limits on how energy gets used so they can avoid bill shocks.
This includes rules like putting a cap on how long the heater or air con stays on, switching the lights off as soon as you leave a room, or banning the clothes dryer unless it's actually raining.
Gen X are the most likely to have gone down this path, with 41% saying they've introduced household energy rules.
Gen Y (millennials) aren't far behind, with 30% saying they're planning to bring in rules of their own.
Baby Boomers, meanwhile, seem less keen on the idea, with a third (33%) saying they haven't bothered with household energy rules at all.
Gen Z is the most likely to be thinking about it but hasn't quite got there yet, with 30% saying they plan to introduce energy rules at home.
It's not just Gen X doing it tough
About 47% of Australians say their electricity bill is already higher than it was a year ago, and 48% expect another rise in the next 12 months.
It gets more troubling, with 27% having gone without heating or cooling to keep costs down, and another 25% worry they'll end up there.
Younger Aussies are copping it hardest.
A third of Gen Y (33%) and 36% of Gen Z have skipped heating or cooling over cost, compared with 14% of Baby Boomers.
So, what can you do to save money on your power bills?
- Compare your energy plan regularly. Only 34% of Australians are confident they're on the best deal, so comparing and switching to a cheaper deal can save far more than stressing about every light switch.
- Set the air con or heater to a sensible temperature. Heating and cooling can be a major drain on your power bill, so avoid cranking them up or down more than you need to. For cooling, the ideal temperature is
- Save the dryer for wet weather. If you can hang your clothes outside, you'll use a lot less energy than running a clothes dryer.
- Make sure you're not wasting power when you're not home. Turn off lights, appliances and other devices you're not using, especially if they'll otherwise be left running for hours. Even appliances on power-saving mode can add to your bills by about $100 over the year.
- Check if you're eligible for a rebate or concession. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you may be able to get help with your energy bills through government rebates, concessions or hardship programs. It's worth checking with your energy provider or visiting your state or territory government's website to see what's available.
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