Originally published: Compare the Market, 01 May 2026
From taking shorter showers to shivering through winter and shutting off appliances, new Compare the Market research has revealed that 87.4% of Australians are implementing cost-cutting tactics to help slash their energy bills.*
The new findings show that turning off appliances at the wall is the most common strategy to slash energy bills, used by around half of households, followed by reducing heater or air-conditioner use (46.8%) and using energy‑efficient light bulbs (44.1%).
Compare the Market Economic Director David Koch said while Australians are becoming increasingly savvy, there’s a simple saving method many are skipping.
“Australians have had a gutful of the ongoing cost-of-living crisis but have the power to help keep their energy bills under control,” Mr Koch said. “Before we see anyone shivering through winter by switching off heating or taking cold showers, one effective bill buster is ensuring you’re on the cheapest energy plan to begin with.
“The number of people I’ve met who complain about high bills but haven’t compared their plan in more than a year is astounding. It takes just a few minutes to compare. And hot tip: check your latest bill for a better bill offer message. Your retailer is required to let you know if they can provide you with a cheaper plan. Recent ACCC data shows 73.3% of Aussies aren’t on their retailer’s best offer, which is a big chunk of the population.”
Mr Koch said if you’ve already compared plans, choosing where and how to cut back was key.
*Compare the Market commissioned Pureprofile to survey 1,015 18+ aged Australian adults, conducted March 2026.
