Originally published: 7News, 27 February 2026
Why leaving the lights on is sparking national conflict
Only last night I had a calm but measured discussion with my husband about how much energy we were using and how we could be saving stacks if we’d properly use our off-peak energy tariffs. He turned on the dishwasher (in peak time) and ignored me!
It seems I’m not alone in my hand-wringing and passive aggressive ‘reminders’ over the skyrocketing costs of energy. New research from energy comparison service iSelect reveals eight in 10 Australians have argued with someone they live with about energy use, with younger adults and Victorians among the most likely to clash over everyday habits.
The survey of 1,009 Australians, conducted by research firm Pureprofile in January 2026, highlights how commonplace these disagreements have become and sheds light on the behaviours that spark the most tension in homes across the country.
