Shivering to save: 8 million Aussies avoid running the heater due to cost
Millions of Australians face a tough choice between staying warm and managing their budget, according to new research by Finder.
A Finder survey of 1,014 respondents revealed 13% go cold 'all the time' out of fear of a high winter energy bill, while a further 28% try to avoid using the heater as often as possible despite temperatures dropping.
That's 8.8 million people who are struggling to afford warming their homes this winter.
Mariam Gabaji, energy expert at Finder, said millions of Aussies are feeling the chill this winter.
"It's heartbreaking that so many are sacrificing comfort and health just to avoid another crushing power bill.
"We've seen polar blasts already this winter with certain regions experiencing sub-zero temperatures."
Gabaji said expensive energy bills had pushed some people into impossible decisions – like choosing between heating and putting food on the table.
"Going cold all winter isn't just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and young children.
"The stress of high energy bills can have a ripple effect with some having to go into debt to keep the lights on."
Almost 1 in 3 (29%) Australians said their energy bill was one of their top three most stressful expenses in July 2025, a near all-time high, according to data from Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker.
Australians reported spending $374 on average on their quarterly energy bill in July 2025 – a 13% increase from $331 in July 2022.
Gabaji said there are ways to lower the cost of your power bill.
"Simple steps, like switching to a better energy plan and using more energy-efficient heating methods, such as electric blankets or ceramic heaters, can save households hundreds of dollars a year.
"There are often rebates available to help you upgrade household appliances to more energy-efficient options. Check your state government's website to see what's on offer – it could help you save money all year round.
"Energy retailers are banking on people staying loyal or feeling overwhelmed. A quick comparison could mean the difference between shivering and saving this winter."
Finder's research shows almost 1 in 5 Australians (17%) say it's not cold enough where they live to worry about heating their homes.
Have you gone cold for fear of a high winter energy bill?
| Yes, all the time | 13% |
| Yes, I try to avoid using the heater as often as I can | 28% |
| No, it's not cold enough where I live | 17% |
| No, I always have the heat on when I need it | 42% |
| Source: Finder survey of 1,014 respondents, July 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 1,014 respondents from July 2025.
- The Consumer Sentiment Tracker is owned by Finder and operated by Qualtrics.
- The survey has been running monthly since May 2019.
Sources
Here's how you can reduce the cost of your winter energy bill.
Ask a question