51% of Australians Are Using Less Air-Con to Cut Summer Energy Costs

Australian summers are getting hotter – and more expensive. As electricity prices continue to climb and government rebates start to wind back, more households are looking for practical ways to cut costs without losing comfort.

A recent national survey found that 51% of Australians plan to reduce their use of air conditioning this summer to save on power bills. That same survey showed that many are also turning off unused appliances at the wall, relying more on solar power during daylight hours, and generally becoming more mindful of how they use electricity at home.

While using energy wisely makes a difference, your savings also depend heavily on your plan. And if you haven’t taken the time to Switch Electricity Providers, now might be the perfect time to do so.

Why Australians Are Rethinking Their Energy Habits

This change in behaviour isn’t just about being environmentally conscious – it’s about survival under growing financial pressure.

With wholesale energy prices fluctuating and retail plans adjusting regularly, Australians are no longer just accepting what’s on their bill. They’re changing habits and watching every kilowatt-hour.

Some of the most common changes include:

  • Turning off appliances at the wall: Instead of leaving them on standby
  • Running fewer cooling appliances: Especially during peak times
  • Using natural airflow: Or ceiling fans where possible
  • Barbecuing more often: Reducing reliance on indoor ovens and stoves
  • Maximising solar usage: Where systems are installed

These changes help lower usage, but many families still find their bills too high – especially when stuck on outdated or overpriced electricity contracts.

Energy-Smart Adjustments Households Are Making

It’s not just about turning the air-con off – it’s about using your power when it’s most efficient.

Here are some popular and practical ways Australians are cutting back without sweltering:

  • Use ceiling fans first: Then air-con only if needed.
  • Adjust your thermostat: Keeping it set between 25°C and 27°C can reduce running costs significantly.
  • Block heat from coming in: Close curtains and blinds during the day to help rooms stay cool.
  • Use solar-generated power: If you have solar panels, shift your electricity-heavy tasks (washing, cooking) to daylight hours.
  • Avoid peak pricing: If your plan charges more at certain times, wait until off-peak to run the washing machine or dishwasher.

These tips can take the edge off your usage, but many customers still feel like they’re doing everything right and still paying too much.

That’s often a sign it’s time to review your actual plan – or consider whether you should switch electricity providers.

How Connect With Us Makes It Simple

If you’re like most people, energy bills show up, get paid, and get forgotten – until they get too high.

That’s where Connect With Us steps in. We’re a free service that helps Australian households compare energy plans across multiple trusted retailers in one place. Whether you’re staying put or moving home, you can easily:

  • Compare offers: In your area
  • Switch quickly: Over the phone or online
  • Start saving: Without disruption or confusion

For renters, owners, or families looking for lower-cost options, this is the fast lane to smarter power.

And yes – you can Connect Electricity Today with just a few details. There’s no paperwork or wait time, and no cost to use our service.

Energy Providers Worth Reviewing This Summer

While we don’t recommend any one retailer for everyone, here are a few worth exploring if you haven’t checked your options in a while:

  • OVO Energy Plans: Are growing in popularity thanks to their simple, flat-rate structures, and green energy add-ons. If you’re after a basic plan with strong environmental credentials, they’re worth a look.
  • Energy Australia plans: Continue to be a reliable option, especially for customers looking for time-of-use pricing or solar-friendly plans. If you’ve recently installed panels, their solar feed-in tariffs could be worth comparing.
  • Lumo Energy: Rates might suit households in regional areas or those looking for stable pricing which are often structured to support customers outside metro hubs.

Plans change frequently, so even if one of these brands wasn’t competitive last year, it could be the right fit now. That’s why comparing regularly is so important.

In Summary

You don’t need to suffer through the heat or compromise your comfort just to keep costs down. With better usage habits and a plan that actually suits your household, you can do both – stay cool and stay in control.

If you’re already adjusting your air-con settings and switching off appliances, take that one next step and check your electricity plan. Energy Australia Plans, or offers from retailers like OVO or Lumo, might be better aligned with how you actually use power, especially in summer.
Whether you’re motivated by bill shock or just want to take back control, a 5-minute conversation with a comparison expert could change the way you manage power at home. If you’re switching for the first time or haven’t compared in a while, the savings could surprise you.

So, don’t wait for the next bill to shock you into action; review your options today, and make this your most affordable summer yet.