GoSwitch Winter Poll Summary of Key Results

• Half of all Australian consumers  are worried about being able to afford their energy bills this winter (51%)
• Women are more concerned than men about being able to afford their winter energy bills (58% versus 40%)
• 18-24 years are the most concerned age group (56%) while 55-64 year olds are the least concerned (43%)
• SA is the most concerned State (55%) and ACT is the least concerned (36%)
• 92% of people are more concerned about energy costs than they were 12 months ago
• 62% of people use heating as little as possible due to energy costs, up from 54% in 2008
• SA is the state most likely to use heating as little as possible due to energy costs (68%). ACT (55%) is least likely.
• 55- 64 year olds are the most likely to never hesitate to switch on the heating
• ACT (36%) and Victoria (35%) are the two states most likely to never hesitate to switch on the heating. NSW (23%) and QLD (23%) are the most likely to hesitate to switch on their heater over winter
• 65 plus age group is the most likely to use heating as little as possible due to energy costs (68%)
• The most popular method for reducing household energy use and costs is simply using more blankets or clothing to stay warm (79% of respondents), followed closely by using energy efficient light bulbs (78%). 73% of people only heat the rooms they are using.
  • 18-24 year olds are the least likely to use energy efficient light bulbs (63%) and also least likely to use more blankets or clothing to stay warm (73%)
  • 65 plus age group most likely to install solar panels (11%)
  • NT most likely to use energy efficient light bulbs (94%), WA least likely (71%)
  • Victoria most likely to compare energy plans and switch to a better deal (34%)
  • NT (19%) and WA (13%) most likely to install solar panels
  • SA (87%) most likely to only heat rooms they are using. NT (44%) and ACT (45%) least likely to do so.

• Despite the Government incentives, only 9% of people have installed a solar panel to reduce their energy usage and costs
• 23% of people have compared energy plans and switched to a better deal to save on their winter energy usage and costs.