Many Queensland households are cutting back on essentials like groceries to help them cover their upcoming summer power bills.
That’s the finding of YouGov Galaxy research commissioned by price comparison site iSelect. It reveals 1.1 million Queenslanders struggling to pay energy bills. This means 63 per cent of Queenslanders are making cutbacks ahead of the summer billing period with 28 per cent panning to cut back groceries.
Yet people are also determined to help themselves. Just less than 90 per cent of households will take action to reduce energy costs this summer – 51 per cent running the air-conditioner less and 65 per cent replacing air-conditioning with fans.
Large summer power bill: Insult to injury
Large summer power bills only add to price stress already faced by the majority of Australians. This is because energy prices have been rising steadily.
The research shows 71 per cent of Queenslanders reporting rising energy bills over the last two years. This includes 40 per cent who say their bills are significantly more expensive.
The St Vincent de Paul Society released a consumer electricity report late last year. This showed electricity price standing offers in Australia’s eastern states have risen an average of 75 per cent since 2009.
It also claimed retailer discounts are too arbitrary and changeable to be effective.
Beat soaring electricity bills with solar power
According to a 2018 Domain report, thousands of households are enjoying lower power bills using solar battery systems.
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) also has good predictions based on solar and wind power. The commission is forecasting a drop of $28 on most Australian power bills due to a renewable pipeline of large-scale wind and solar energy.
Solar bulk buy schemes are also springing up across Australia. These local council and independent community group programs help residents access high-quality discounted solar panels. They also offer advice about solar quotes and the best system for your needs.
Energy-saving advice can help cut power bills
Apart from installing solar panels and home battery storage, iSelect has five tips to find a cheaper energy plan and avoid those high summer power bills, one which suits you best.
- Stay alert. ‘Set and forget’ is a recipe for higher bills. Retailers must now notify customers of rate changes and expiring discounts so always check what else is available.
- Check payment options. Paying bills weekly, fortnightly or monthly (bill smoothing) makes budgeting easier.
- Be careful. Many discounts have catches. Choose lower ongoing rates over on-the-spot discounts.
- Check special offers but check expiry dates. Pay on time, online or by direct debit for discounts.
- Shop around. Comparison services can help you choose the best current offer.
Many Queensland households are cutting back on essentials like groceries to help them cover their upcoming summer power bills.
That’s the finding of YouGov Galaxy research commissioned by price comparison site iSelect. It reveals 1.1 million Queenslanders struggling to pay energy bills. This means 63 per cent of Queenslanders are making cutbacks ahead of the summer billing period with 28 per cent panning to cut back groceries.
Yet people are also determined to help themselves. Just less than 90 per cent of households will take action to reduce energy costs this summer – 51 per cent running the air-conditioner less and 65 per cent replacing air-conditioning with fans.
Large summer power bill: Insult to injury
Large summer power bills only add to price stress already faced by the majority of Australians. This is because energy prices have been rising steadily.
The research shows 71 per cent of Queenslanders reporting rising energy bills over the last two years. This includes 40 per cent who say their bills are significantly more expensive.
The St Vincent de Paul Society released a consumer electricity report late last year. This showed electricity price standing offers in Australia’s eastern states have risen an average of 75 per cent since 2009.
It also claimed retailer discounts are too arbitrary and changeable to be effective.
Beat soaring electricity bills with solar power
According to a 2018 Domain report, thousands of households are enjoying lower power bills using solar battery systems.
The Australian Energy Market Commission (AEMC) also has good predictions based on solar and wind power. The commission is forecasting a drop of $28 on most Australian power bills due to a renewable pipeline of large-scale wind and solar energy.
Solar bulk buy schemes are also springing up across Australia. These local council and independent community group programs help residents access high-quality discounted solar panels. They also offer advice about solar quotes and the best system for your needs.
Energy-saving advice can help cut power bills
Apart from installing solar panels and home battery storage, iSelect has five tips to find a cheaper energy plan and avoid those high summer power bills, one which suits you best.
- Stay alert. ‘Set and forget’ is a recipe for higher bills. Retailers must now notify customers of rate changes and expiring discounts so always check what else is available.
- Check payment options. Paying bills weekly, fortnightly or monthly (bill smoothing) makes budgeting easier.
- Be careful. Many discounts have catches. Choose lower ongoing rates over on-the-spot discounts.
- Check special offers but check expiry dates. Pay on time, online or by direct debit for discounts.
- Shop around. Comparison services can help you choose the best current offer.
