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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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.
We installed solar power (8 panels on the north, 6 panels on the west and 3 marginally larger panels solely for hot water system), when there were incentives offered by the Queensland government. We haven’t paid one single bill since then and also get a rebate for feed-in tariff every year in the form of a partial cheque with the balance rebate carried over. Perhaps haven’t fully covered initial cost but very close. We have our panels cleaned ever 2-3 years as well to keep them working at capacity.

Admittedly there are only two of us living in a four bedroom house, but TV is on for the better part of the day (only turned off in the afternoon from about 2-5), 2 computers left on from about 8am to 9:30pm), lights only in the room being used at any time, if needed. We had the old Tariff 33 with power off at night for washing machine, dishwasher, dryer (in years gone by) but that became automatic for 3 hours during the day according to the whim of the provider. Occasionally the lack of power for these three appliances during the day can be inconvenient if we have to go out but we try to work around that as much as possible.
 
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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.
They may be paying for power in the form of feed-in tariffs but not in extra ‘out-of-pocket cash’. We also do not pay any extra ‘cash’ for power since installing solar panels. I have commented further on this topic elsewhere.
 
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.
Me too, in fact the power company (Origin) now owes me.
 
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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 would like to know how you managed to not spend anything on power for the last 10 years. Are you saying that your feed in Tarif covers the supply charge? In Victoria the FIT was 4.9 cents/kw two years ago, then last year it was reduced to 3.3 cents and from 1st Aug will be 1.5 cents. Together with a rise in the supply AND a rise in the cost per kw/h. I can only assume you have acres of solar panels and/or a house full of batteries.
 
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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.
How much temperature drop does the hot water heater experience over 24 hours?

How much energy is used to reheat that water up to the optimal temperature?

You will find that such a measure is counterproductive. It may be a good idea if you go on holidays but otherwise, it is a big no-no.

Do you use an electric hot water system? There is one huge inefficiency right there!

A heat pump water heater is the most energy efficient but the initial costs are prohibitive when compared to gas or electric.
 
A pensioner sees me being very frugal with my usage. But I am grateful for the gov rebates. I use inexpensive solar lamps putting them out every day to recharge and instead of turning on heating use an electric throw rug to cuddle under .
Of course I am alone but this could still be used I a home with more occupants.
 
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I also have solar on my roof it's only been 3 years and always in credit my last bill read $483 in CREDIT I have my granddaughter and his girlfriend living with my hubby and me and I I don't know what they are doing but they each are in th shower for 25 minutes every time they shower and with their work commitments they sometimes shower twice a day
 

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