92% of Aussies more concerned about energy costs in 2009
One in two worried about affording electricity and gas this winter
One in two Australians are worried about being able to afford their electricity and gas bills this winter, in a sign that the current economic conditions are causing consumers to worry about affording essential services. The national survey conducted by energy price comparison website www.GoSwitch.com.au showed that women (58%) are more concerned than men (40%).
The survey also found that 92% of people are more worried about the cost of energy than they were 12 months ago.
When asked to describe their views on heating, 62% said that they use heating as little as possible due to energy costs (up from 54% in 2008), while just 28% reported that they never hesitate to switch on heating (down from 33% in 2008).
Ben Freund, CEO of GoSwitch, Australia’s leading free online price comparison service designed to help Australians save money on their electricity and gas bills, said that consumers don’t need to go cold this winter.
“It’s quite shocking to see just how worried people are about affording basic utilities like electricity and gas this winter. This obviously shows the impact the tough economic climate is having on household budgets.”
“Unfortunately, it is largely expected that the cost of energy will continue to go up and up. However, in many cases if consumers take a few simple steps they can actually reduce their energy costs without making sacrifices to their lifestyle.”
www.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.
“The beauty of price comparison is that it allows people to cut costs without cutting usage,” said Ben.
The survey also found the most popular method for reducing household energy usage and costs was simply using more blankets or wearing more clothing (79% of people) followed closely by using energy efficient light bulbs (78%). Surprisingly, 18-24 year olds were found to be the age group least likely to take both of these simple steps, at 73% and 63% respectively.
Only 23% of people have taken advantage of market competition to compare energy plans and switch to a cheaper deal, and despite Government incentives only 9% of people have installed a solar panel to save money on heating the survey found.
“Simple steps can make a big difference. Making make sure you’re on the right plan is a simple and effective first step. The extra few hundred dollars you could save is surely more useful somewhere else in your household budget.”
“Everyone can save money by also making a few changes at home. Closing doors to cold rooms like laundries or kitchens, and turning heating off overnight can make a surprising difference to the size of your bill,” Ben said.
Top tips for saving money on your energy bills this winter
1. Make sure you’re on the cheapest energy plan available for your area by visiting www.GoSwitch.com.au – why pay more if you don’t have to?
2. Ensure your house is sealed and insulated – this is one of the most important steps to take to increase the energy efficiency of your house (for both winter and summer).
3. Upgrade to energy efficient heating systems and appliances.
4. Choose the right size appliance for the area you want to heat.
5. Open curtains during the day to let sunlight in to your home, and close windows and curtains when trying to keep heat in.
6. Keep doors to empty rooms and cold rooms (like kitchens, bathrooms and laundries) closed. This can prevent up to 75% of total heat loss from a home.
7. Only turn on your heating system when people are at home.
8. Stay under the covers – turning heaters down or completely off overnight can drastically reduce your energy use.
To compare, switch and save on electricity and gas visit www.GoSwitch.com.au
For more information on GoSwitch or to arrange an interview please contact:
Ben Hornbrook
Reputation Pty Ltd
Ph: 02 8252 7005
Mob: 0432 892 251
bhornbrook@reputation.net.au
About GoSwitch
www.GoSwitch.com.au is the leading price comparison website for electricity and gas. The online service has been developed to help Australians pay less for their energy needs. 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 between May 1 - 5. The results are based on responses of over 1000 Australians, and have a confidence level of 95%.
