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.
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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.
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That's 8.8 million people who are struggling to afford warming their homes this winter.
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Mariam Gabaji, energy expert at Finder, said millions of Aussies are feeling the chill this winter.
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"It's heartbreaking that so many are sacrificing comfort and health just to avoid another crushing power bill.
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"We've seen polar blasts already this winter with certain regions experiencing sub-zero temperatures."
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Gabaji said expensive energy bills had pushed some people into impossible decisions – like choosing between heating and putting food on the table.
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"Going cold all winter isn't just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and young children.
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"The stress of high energy bills can have a ripple effect with some having to go into debt to keep the lights on."
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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.
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Australians reported spending $374 on average on their quarterly energy bill in July 2025 – a 13% increase from $331 in July 2022.
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Gabaji said there are ways to lower the cost of your power bill.
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"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.
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"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.
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"Energy retailers are banking on people staying loyal or feeling overwhelmed. A quick comparison could mean the difference between shivering and saving this winter."
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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.
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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
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Here's how you can reduce the cost of your winter energy bill.
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