Millions of Aussies going cold as electricity bills bite

More than half of Australians are minimising heating in their homes this winter to avoid paying hefty electricity bills, new research released today shows.

Many households are also buying cheaper heaters, despite experts warning the budget buys consume more electricity, according to the survey by comparison website Canstar.

The findings were based on 700 people who had purchased an electric heater this winter to stay warm.

While their main concern was keeping power bills down, less than half of are carrying out basic measures to stay warm, such as pulling on a jumper and socks before switching their heater on, keeping their room warm by closing windows and doors and fixing a draught stopper on their doors.

These steps could make a marked difference to how hard a heater has to work to reach and maintain a warm temperature. In the long run, it could mean real savings on household heating costs.

The research also reveals buying a cheaper heater can often backfire if the cost of running it outweighs any upfront savings.

The cost of running a 1.8kWh oil heater, purchased for $90, compared with a 2.2kWh fan heater, priced at $39, was $74 cheaper during 13 weeks of winter.

Consumers also need to know which type of heater is most suitable for the space they want to keep warm.

Fan heaters, which are typically cheaper, are best suited to heating a small area quickly so using it to keep a large room warm may mean running it for long periods.

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By contrast, an oil or column heater, which may cost more upfront, is more efficient at heating a large room warm, and stays warm even after it’s switched off.

Canstar spokesperson Eden Radford says many Australians are failing to carry out cost-free measures to keep warm at home.

“Turning these actions into habits could make a real impact: first on the temperature of the home, and then on the size of the electricity bill that follows.

“When it comes time to buy a new heater, it’s important to look beyond the initial price tag. Weighing up running costs and choosing the right type of heater for your space – whether that’s an oil heater for a large room or a fan heater for a quick blast of warmth – can make a significant difference.”

Millions of Aussies receive free electricity

Millions of households are receiving a period of free electricity every day, but only in three areas of the country from July.

The federal government’s Solar Sharer Offer allows eligible households in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia three hours of free electricity in the middle of the day.

The Solar Sharer Offer is optional and available for both home owners and renters in NSW, south-east Queensland and South Australia.

Households do not need their own solar panels or batteries to opt in, but do need a smart meter installed.

Energy retailers with more than 1000 customers in the areas must use the nation’s abundance of solar power to provide free electricity of up to 24 kWh to households during those three hours.