Half of Australian householders are preparing for energy bill shock when they receive their bill for the winter quarter and 17% have already been lobbed with a winter bill beyond their expectations according to a new study by Green.com.au.

The Australian Government increased last year’s $1.5 billion Energy Bill Relief to $3.5 billion in 2024-25 to provide households with a $300-325 annual rebate – but is it enough? The study found that more than a quarter of households (27%) are paying over $300 extra per month than the same time last year, including a small percentage (7%) who are paying as much as $1,000 plus.

Now, two in three householders say they would invest up to $10,000 in a home solar system if it meant cutting energy bills.

Alarmingly, 34% of householders say gas and electricity bills are their largest expense – well above the 21% of householders citing food as the biggest cost. In NSW and Victoria, 39% and 38% of respondents, respectively, say energy bills take the largest slice of their household budget.

Renters are more likely (at 42%) to shovel money into gas and electricity bills above any other need. In comparison, 31% of homeowners say energy is their biggest expense.

The findings support the debate about minimum energy efficiency standards on rental homes, with Victoria set to shake up its minimum standards by 2025.

The findings come from a survey of an independent, nationally representative panel of 1,000 Australians commissioned by Australia’s fastest-growing renewable energy provider, Green.com.au.