1. Understand What Is Increasing Your Quarterly Electricity Bill

Before trying to save electricity, identify what is contributing most to your bill. A higher amount does not always mean your household has used more power. The bill may also reflect changes in electricity rates, supply charges, billing periods, seasonal conditions or household routines.

Compare your latest bill with the same period last year, if available. Look for the total electricity consumed in kilowatt-hours (kWh), the number of days billed, the daily supply charge and the usage rates applied to your account.

Check whether your household has recently added an appliance, used air conditioning more often, hosted additional occupants or changed its work-from-home routine. These changes may help explain higher consumption.

The Australian Government recommends reviewing energy use over comparable periods and identifying the biggest sources of household consumption before deciding which changes to make.

Read the Australian Government guide to reducing energy bills.

2. Compare Electricity Plans Before Changing Your Habits

Reducing electricity use is only part of the solution. You may also be paying more than necessary because your current electricity plan does not suit your household consumption or daily routine.

Review your retailer’s offer and compare it with available alternatives in your state or territory. Your electricity bill may include several charges, so do not compare plans using only the advertised usage rate.

Check these details before switching

• Usage rate: The price charged for each kilowatt-hour of electricity.
• Daily supply charge: The amount charged for connecting your property to the electricity supply, usually for each day of the billing period.
• Time-of-use rates: Some plans charge different rates during peak, shoulder and off-peak periods.
• Discount conditions: Check whether advertised discounts depend on payment methods, deadlines or other conditions.
• Contract terms: Review fees, payment arrangements and what happens when an offer expires.
• Solar feed-in tariffs: If you have rooftop solar, consider both the electricity you buy and the value of electricity exported to the grid.

Use your actual consumption information to compare estimated costs. A plan with a lower usage rate may not be cheaper if it has a higher supply charge or unsuitable peak rates.

For eligible households in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory, the Australian Energy Regulator provides the free Energy Made Easy comparison service. Victorian households can use the Victorian Government’s comparison service.

Find official Australian Government electricity-plan comparison options.

Compare plans using Energy Made Easy.

Compare Victorian electricity offers using Victorian Energy Compare.

3. Use Heating and Cooling More Efficiently

Heating and cooling can be among the largest sources of household energy use in Australia. The amount depends on your climate zone, home design, insulation, appliance efficiency and the temperatures you experience.

Small changes to heating and cooling habits can reduce unnecessary energy consumption while helping you stay comfortable.

During summer

• Close curtains or blinds when direct sunlight heats your rooms.
• Use suitable external shade to reduce heat entering through windows.
• Use fans when they provide sufficient comfort, rather than automatically turning on air conditioning.
• Set the cooling temperature to a comfortable, energy-conscious level.
• Close doors to unused areas where appropriate so you are not cooling the entire home unnecessarily.
• When outdoor conditions are cooler, open windows where it is safe and practical to ventilate the home.

During winter

• Heat only the rooms being used.
• Close curtains after sunset to help reduce heat loss through windows.
• Use suitable door and window seals to reduce unwanted draughts.
• Wear appropriate clothing and use bedding suited to the temperature.
• Maintain heating equipment according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Australian Government guidance suggests that heating and cooling settings can significantly affect energy consumption. The right setting depends on the equipment, outdoor temperature and personal comfort, so avoid choosing a setting that creates unsafe or unhealthy indoor conditions.

Read the official heating and cooling efficiency guide.

4. Reduce Hot-Water Electricity Use

Hot water can be a significant household energy expense, especially where an electric water heater is used frequently. Reducing unnecessary hot-water consumption can help lower electricity demand and, in some homes, water costs as well.

• Keep showers reasonably short.
• Wash clothes in cold water when appropriate for the fabric and cleaning requirements.
• Run the washing machine only when there is a suitable full load.
• Use the dishwasher’s energy-saving or eco mode where suitable.
• Fix dripping hot-water taps promptly.
• Consider a suitable water-efficient showerhead if your current one uses excessive water.
• Check your water-heating system’s settings and maintenance requirements with the manufacturer or a qualified professional.

Do not lower water-heater temperatures below the manufacturer’s or applicable health and safety requirements. Some systems require specific temperature settings to manage the risk of harmful bacteria, while hot water can also cause scalding.

For more practical advice, see the Australian Government’s energy-saving ideas for households.

5. Switch Off Standby Power Where Appropriate

Some appliances continue to use electricity when they appear to be switched off. This is commonly called standby power. Depending on the appliance, standby consumption may come from displays, clocks, remote-control receivers or network connections.

Review the equipment around your home and switch off suitable devices at the power point when they are not needed.

• Televisions and entertainment systems.
• Gaming consoles when not in use.
• Computers and accessories that do not need to remain powered.
• Chargers and other devices that can safely be disconnected.
• Small kitchen appliances that do not need continuous power.

Do not switch off refrigerators, freezers, security systems, medical equipment or other devices that need a continuous power supply. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use safe switching practices.

See the Australian Government’s quick energy-saving actions.

6. Make Washing Machines and Dishwashers More Efficient

Laundry and dishwashing habits can affect household electricity consumption. You may not need to buy a new appliance to improve efficiency; using existing equipment sensibly can be a good first step.

• Wash clothes in cold water when suitable.
• Wait for a full load rather than repeatedly washing small loads.
• Select an eco or energy-saving programme where appropriate.
• Use the correct detergent quantity and follow the appliance instructions.
• Air-dry clothes on a clothesline or drying rack when practical.
• Clean appliance filters and maintain equipment as recommended.
• Avoid running a clothes dryer longer than necessary.

Some households can also benefit from shifting flexible appliance use to lower-cost periods, but only if their electricity plan offers time-based pricing that makes the change worthwhile. Check your tariff before assuming that late-night use is cheaper.

7. Use Energy-Efficient Lighting

Lighting is often a smaller expense than heating, cooling or water heating, but simple improvements can still help. If your home has older, inefficient bulbs, replacing suitable lights with quality LED alternatives may reduce lighting electricity use.

• Switch off lights in empty rooms.
• Use daylight when practical.
• Choose task lighting instead of illuminating an entire room when only one area is needed.
• Use suitable timers or motion sensors for outdoor lighting.
• Consider LED replacements when existing bulbs need replacing.

Check that replacement bulbs are compatible with your fittings and dimmer controls. The actual savings depend on the old bulb type, the replacement and how long the lights are used each day.

Read the Australian Government guide to efficient household appliances.

8. Check Energy Ratings Before Buying New Appliances

If an old refrigerator, washing machine, dryer or air conditioner needs replacing, compare energy efficiency alongside the purchase price. An inexpensive appliance may cost more to operate over its useful life than a more efficient model.

Before buying, consider:

• The appliance size that suits your household.
• The energy-rating label and estimated energy consumption.
• Expected operating hours and typical use.
• Purchase price, installation costs and maintenance needs.
• Whether the model is suitable for your climate and living arrangements.

For air conditioners, check the applicable Zoned Energy Rating Label. For other covered appliances, use the relevant energy-rating information and compare models of a similar size and capacity.

Visit the official Australian Government Energy Rating website.

9. Use Off-Peak Electricity Only When It Saves Money

Some electricity plans charge different rates depending on when electricity is used. If your household is on a time-of-use tariff, shifting flexible activities to a cheaper period may help reduce costs.

For example, you might schedule a washing machine, dishwasher or other flexible appliance to operate during an off-peak period, provided the appliance is suitable for unattended operation and can be used safely.

However, off-peak hours and prices vary by plan, meter and location. A time-of-use plan is not automatically cheaper for every household, especially if most consumption occurs during expensive peak periods.

Check your bill for the applicable tariff and ask your retailer whether your current plan suits your household routine. Compare estimated total costs before switching plans or changing when you use appliances.

Understand Australian electricity pricing plans and tariffs.

10. Check Whether Government Rebates or Concessions Are Available

Depending on where you live and your circumstances, you may be eligible for state or territory concessions, energy-efficiency incentives or other assistance with electricity costs.

Eligibility may depend on factors such as your location, concession card, household circumstances, income or the type of upgrade you are considering. Programs can change, so check current official requirements before making a financial decision.

Use the Australian Government’s rebates and assistance information to find relevant programs. The page directs households to available Australian Government and state or territory support.

Check official Australian Government rebates and assistance.

Do not assume that a previous electricity credit or rebate is still available. Confirm the program’s current status, eligibility criteria and application deadlines on the relevant government website.

11. Renters Can Also Reduce Electricity Costs

Renters may have limited control over insulation, windows, heating systems and other permanent features of a property. However, many low-cost changes can still help reduce electricity use.

• Use curtains and blinds to manage sunlight and heat loss.
• Close doors to unused rooms where appropriate.
• Use efficient lighting and turn off lights when they are not needed.
• Reduce standby power from suitable appliances.
• Use fans and heating or cooling equipment efficiently.
• Discuss draughts, faulty equipment or inefficient fixed appliances with your landlord or property manager.
• Check whether any proposed change requires the landlord’s permission.

The Australian Government provides guidance specifically for renters, including practical energy-saving measures that do not require major property alterations.

Read the official energy-saving guide for renters.

12. What to Do If You Cannot Afford Your Electricity Bill

If your electricity bill is difficult to pay, contact your retailer as early as possible. Ask about payment plans, hardship support and any assistance that may apply to your circumstances.

Do not wait until the bill becomes seriously overdue if you already know that you may struggle to pay. Ask the retailer to explain the available options, any conditions and what you need to do to access support.

You can also check whether your state or territory offers energy concessions or emergency assistance. Use official government websites to confirm the current rules and application process.

Read the Australian Government’s energy-saving and bill-support guidance.

Find government energy assistance programs.

13. A Simple 30-Day Plan to Prepare for Your Next Quarterly Bill

You do not need to change every habit at once. Use the next month to identify your biggest energy costs, make practical changes and check whether consumption starts to fall.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Reducing your quarterly electricity bill does not always require expensive upgrades or major lifestyle changes. Reviewing your plan, understanding your energy use, improving heating and cooling habits and using appliances efficiently are sensible places to start.

Every household is different, so focus first on the biggest expenses shown by your bill and choose changes that fit your daily routine. Track consumption where possible and compare plans using official government services before making a decision.

If you are struggling to pay, contact your retailer and investigate current government assistance rather than ignoring the bill. A combination of efficient energy use, a suitable electricity plan and eligible support can help you manage household costs more effectively.