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Energy Survey: Australian families shivering through winter - Home heating sacrificed as energy costs rise
Soaring petrol prices and grocery costs aren’t the only expenses on the
minds of Australians, with 91% of consumers more concerned about
energy costs than they were 12 months ago, according to a national
survey by energy price comparison website GoSwitch.com.au.
The survey also found more than one in two Australians are hesitating
to switch on their heater this winter due to the rising costs of energy.
When asked to describe their views on heating, 55% said that they
use heating as little as possible due to energy costs, 12% said they
use heating as little as possible because they are worried about the
environmental impact, and only 33% reported that they never hesitate
to switch on heating.
Ben Freund, CEO of GoSwitch.com.au, a free online service designed
to help Australians pay less for electricity and gas, said that consumers
would be better off taking action than sitting at home feeling the cold.
“It’s pretty alarming to see just how many people are willing to go cold to
save a few dollars. It’s obviously a sign of the pressure household
budgets are under.
“The cost of energy is going up and up and the experts tell us that this
trend is likely to continue. Unlike interest rates, petrol prices and groceries,
in many cases households can reduce their energy bills without making
any sacrifices,” said Ben.
GoSwitch.com.au allows consumers to compare electricity and gas
plans across retailers by typing in just a few details from their last energy
bill. The website is free to use, and in less than five minutes provides
consumers with a tailored list of recommended options as well as the
ability to switch to a new plan should they wish to.
“We estimate that up to 50% of households are paying the highest
possible rate for their electricity and gas when they simply don’t have to.
“If you live in Victoria, South Australia or Queensland your energy market
is deregulated and that means you can switch energy retailers and plans.
If your market isn’t deregulated, you can still investigate what the best
plan for you is.”
GoSwitch has today launched price comparison data for New South Wales
and Queensland. Victoria and South Australia were launched last month.
“Everyone can save money by reducing energy use in other ways, such as
turning off lights when you leave the room and drying your clothes on the
clothesline. A reduction of just 15% energy use can save you about $270
a year,” said Ben.
The survey also found that Australians are more worried about the environment
than they were this time last year. 56% of respondents said they were a
little more concerned about the environmental impacts of using heating than
they were 12 months ago, 31% said they were a lot more concerned, and
only 13% said they were not concerned at all.
About GoSwitch
GoSwitch.com.au is a new online service that has been developed to
help Australians pay less for electricity and gas. GoSwitch is free for
consumers and they are under no obligation to switch energy companies
when they use the website. If customers switch energy supplier,
GoSwitch receives a small fee from retailers it has a commercial relationship,
but this is not added to the price paid by the consumer.
About the Survey
The survey was conducted online by research firm PureProfile during May
23-27 2008. The results are based on responses from over 1500 Australians,
and have a confidence level of 95%.
National Survey Results
What statement best describes your view on heating?
1. I never hesitate to switch on heating 33.08%
2. I use heating as little as possible due to energy costs 55.39%
3. I use heating as little as possible because I am worried about the environmental
impact 11.53%
Are you more concerned about energy costs than you were 12 months ago?
1. A lot more concerned 37.05%
2. A little more concerned 53.88%
3. Not concerned at all 9.07%
Are you more concerned about the environmental impacts of using
heating than you were 12 months ago?
1. A lot more concerned 30.62%
2. A little more concerned 56.14%
3. Not concerned at all 13.23%
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