Paper-thin windows. Cracks around the door frames. It’s warmer in the rain than the bedroom. A heater that’s never turned on.
From Perth to Sydney, this is a reality that a whack of Aussies are slogging through. Thanks to Australia’s high electricity prices, many folks are forgoing heaters. This is despite the fact that this winter’s been a cold one and it’s only going to get worse.
According to a Finder survey of 1090 Aussies, 72% of their respondents have cut back on using a heater because of cost of living pressures. Finder reported that 18% were forced to use less heating as their other expenses have climbed. Meanwhile, 13% cannot afford any heating whatsoever.
As per Finder’s Editor of Utilities, Mariam Gabaji, these statistics are super concerning.
“A growing number of households can’t even cover the basic necessities anymore,” said Gabaji.
“A big electricity bill is just too much of a burden for many families right now.”
What’s more, Australia’s bills are about to get bigger. As of 1 July, energy regulators have raised the default market price of our electricity. This means that electricity prices in NSW, South East Queensland, Victoria, and South Australia have skyrocketed by up to a whopping 25%.
So, how can Australia solve this problem? Well, in the short term, our governments need to offer up more energy rebates. There’s no valid reason for our leaders to let their constituents freeze to death. They need to help these families in a decisive, swift fashion.
In the longer term, Australia needs more renewable power sources. This electric price crisis was somewhat caused by some coal plants unexpectedly failing. If we had more solar and wind farms, then there’s a chance that these hikes would have never kicked off.
Related: How to Survive Australia’s Cost of Living Crisis
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