As icy blasts sweep across the country, millions of Australians are facing an impossible choice: stay warm or stay afloat financially.
A new survey by comparison site Finder reveals that 13 per cent of Australians admit they go cold “all the time” out of fear of soaring energy bills. Another 28 per cent say they avoid switching on the heater whenever possible, despite temperatures plummeting in many states. That adds up to a staggering 8.8 million people sacrificing warmth this winter in a bid to keep household costs under control.
Mariam Gabaji, an energy expert at Finder, said the findings highlight just how dire the cost-of-living crisis has become.
“It’s heartbreaking that so many are sacrificing comfort and health just to avoid another crushing power bill,” she said. “We’ve seen polar blasts already this winter with certain regions experiencing sub-zero temperatures.”
Finder’s Consumer Sentiment Tracker shows that energy bills are climbing the ranks of household stressors. Almost one in three Australians (29 per cent) listed their bill as a top-three source of financial stress in July — near an all-time high. The average quarterly energy bill hit $374 in July, up from $331 just three years ago. For many families, the increase is forcing stark decisions.
“Going cold all winter isn’t just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous, especially for the elderly and young children,” Gabaji said. “The stress of high energy bills can have a ripple effect with some having to go into debt to keep the lights on.”
While 42 per cent of Australians say they run the heater whenever they need to, a significant portion are cutting back. Another 17 per cent say heating isn’t necessary where they live — a luxury many in the southern states don’t have.
Gabaji said there are ways to reduce costs without putting health at risk.
“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,” she said. “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 recommends comparing providers, turning appliances off at the powerpoint, and using low-cost heating alternatives like electric blankets, which cost just 4 cents a day to run. Households with the means to invest in insulation could also cut long-term costs by reducing heating and cooling demand.
For millions of Australians, though, the reality is bleak. Staying warm this winter is no longer a comfort — it’s a cost too many can’t afford.
