Electricity prices just jumped again! This switch could save you up to $390

Keeping the lights on is becoming increasingly difficult for many Australians—especially those already feeling the pinch.

A new round of price hikes is set to hit millions of households, adding pressure to already strained budgets.

But beneath the numbers lies a growing crisis that could leave vulnerable Aussies even further behind.


More than 215,000 Australians were already struggling to stay afloat with their electricity bills—now, millions more could be pulled into financial stress as fresh price hikes rolled out across the country from today.

Data released by the Australian Energy Regulator painted a concerning picture: between January and March, the number of households in debt climbed by 7 per cent compared to the previous quarter, and 5 per cent year-on-year.

The average amount owed also jumped, reaching $1415—up $20 since the previous quarter, and $309 more than the same period last year.


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Over 215,000 Aussies behind on power bills. Image source: Pexels/Markus Spiske


These figures landed just as energy providers and networks triggered another round of price increases.

While some households might receive a modest reprieve through federal rebates, others could face a much steeper climb.

‘From today, more than four million households will see their electricity prices rise, which for an average household could add more than $200 to their annual bill,’ Canstar Blue data insights director Sally Tindall said.

The increases were tied to changes in the default market offer, which were announced in May by the Australian Energy Regulator. For average households in New South Wales, South Australia and south-east Queensland, the change meant paying up to $228 more per year on a default plan.


But the pain didn’t stop there.

Market plan customers were also hit. AGL lifted prices in New South Wales by 13.5 per cent—its steepest hike—while South Australia and south-east Queensland saw increases of 7.8 and 7.5 per cent respectively.

Origin customers weren’t spared either, with prices climbing 9.1 per cent in New South Wales, 5.5 per cent in South Australia and 3.1 per cent in south-east Queensland.

Households in Victoria and the ACT had until 1 August before Origin and AGL introduced the same price hikes in those regions. EnergyAustralia also planned to follow suit, raising prices in New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT on 1 August, and then in Queensland and South Australia on 1 September.


Still, there was a flicker of relief.

Households eligible for the federal government’s energy bill rebate would continue receiving $75 off their quarterly bills until the end of the year. And for those willing to take action, greater savings were possible.

‘Electricity price hikes might feel unavoidable, however, switching providers can potentially bring real relief, especially for those who haven't switched providers in more than a year,’ Tindall said.

According to Canstar Blue, households could save between $144 and $390 annually by moving from an average-priced plan to the lowest plan available on their network.

‘Our research shows that if you switch from an average-priced plan to the lowest, you could potentially save over $300, depending on where you live,’ Tindall added.

‘That's proper relief, in addition to the extra $150 coming down the line from the federal government.’

Key Takeaways

  • Over 215,000 Australians were already in energy debt, with the average amount owed rising to $1415.
  • From today, electricity prices increased by up to 13.5 per cent, affecting more than four million households.
  • Further hikes are expected in Victoria, the ACT, Queensland and South Australia from 1 August and 1 September.
  • Households could save up to $390 annually by switching to cheaper plans and will continue receiving quarterly government rebates.

With energy costs climbing yet again, have you recently considered switching providers to ease the strain on your budget? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

In a previous story, we shared five insider tricks from an Aussie builder to help households cut their power bills before prices rise—advice that feels even more urgent now.

For seniors on fixed incomes, these simple strategies could be the difference between making ends meet or falling behind.

If you’re looking for practical ways to take control of your energy costs, this one’s definitely worth a read.

Read more: Are you overpaying on your power bill? Aussie builder shares 5 insider tricks to slash your costs before prices soar
 
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False news. Albo promised we would have cheaper power in his first term. He was voted back in, so obviously he did. Perhaps in an alternate reality, but not this one. Crappy treasurer and crappy Prime Minister.
 
As a single senior I used to have my TV on for company throughout the day. However, this week was the start of having it off & enduring the loneliness of a noiseless home. This is one way of saving on my electricity bill. I am with Red Energy with a smart meter which charges me at a rate depending on the demand. So I have had to change my daily routine & have a hot meal in the middle of the day when it is cheaper to cook than at the normal time of between 4-8 pm. Washing, vacuuming & meal preparation for the freezer all have to be done at the weekend when the cost is at its lowest. My hot water service is turned off every 2nd day for 24 hours to cut the cost there. What a way to have to live in my senior years. I never thought I would be reduced to this level of existence instead of living my last years in relative comfort.
 
As a single senior I used to have my TV on for company throughout the day. However, this week was the start of having it off & enduring the loneliness of a noiseless home. This is one way of saving on my electricity bill. I am with Red Energy with a smart meter which charges me at a rate depending on the demand. So I have had to change my daily routine & have a hot meal in the middle of the day when it is cheaper to cook than at the normal time of between 4-8 pm. Washing, vacuuming & meal preparation for the freezer all have to be done at the weekend when the cost is at its lowest. My hot water service is turned off every 2nd day for 24 hours to cut the cost there. What a way to have to live in my senior years. I never thought I would be reduced to this level of existence instead of living my last years in relative comfort.
Wow, if power affordability given the concessions available to pensioners is proving a challenge, then there is far more wrong with your budgeting than power costs. Not that I believe it should be as dear as it is, but by hell if you're turning off the tele to save power, something is dreadfully amiss.
 
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must be nice to be able to chose providers - where I live you have one provider or solar energy - which costs a fortune to install and maintain
Solar is not that expensive, mine was $5k and I haven't had a bill in over a decade, it is particularly helpful for those in retirement or aged as they can do all their big energy consumption during the daylight hours from what they generate, and only rely on a tele and a light or two in the evening consumption. I've had solar for around 20yrs and not a penny spent on it since.
 
False news. Albo promised we would have cheaper power in his first term. He was voted back in, so obviously he did. Perhaps in an alternate reality, but not this one. Crappy treasurer and crappy Prime Minister.
Energy will never be cheaper than it is today, regardless of how it's generated or who is in Govt., u can take that to the bank.
 
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Isnt the renewable energy con job going great you voted for labor so reap the benefits
I'm sorry but the relevance of who one votes for is mute imo, I have had solar for around 20yrs and not a bill in over a decade, I never opted because of the saving the planet jargon, but because of the privatisation of the once publicly owned assets and the way prices were going, had nothing to do with renewables. Those who voted other than for the Govt, voted for nuclear the most expensive form in existence, while we sell the cheapest form to everyone else, being coal or gas. Get over the blame game it is now history and start caring for urself as best u can.
 
Electricity is turning into a luxury item instead of a necessity. It is all about business and profit not about people.
Luxury item, while I sit here using my excess as best I can and not a bill in over a decade. If possible get solar you will never look back or care what price it is again particularly if retired.
 
Solar is not that expensive, mine was $5k and I haven't had a bill in over a decade, it is particularly helpful for those in retirement or aged as they can do all their big energy consumption during the daylight hours from what they generate, and only rely on a tele and a light or two in the evening consumption. I've had solar for around 20yrs and not a penny spent on it since.
I challenge that you haven't had a bill in ten years! UNLESS you are completely off grid you are paying a supply fee for every day you are connected, using power or not.
 
I'm sorry but the relevance of who one votes for is mute imo, I have had solar for around 20yrs and not a bill in over a decade, I never opted because of the saving the planet jargon, but because of the privatisation of the once publicly owned assets and the way prices were going, had nothing to do with renewables. Those who voted other than for the Govt, voted for nuclear the most expensive form in existence, while we sell the cheapest form to everyone else, being coal or gas. Get over the blame game it is now history and start caring for urself as best u can.
You are comparing the building of power supplies NOT the extended costs of producing power from them Consider the operating age of the power source, the cost of producing that power, together with rebuilding costs, as your windmills start falling down after around 20 years.
 

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