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Aussies get savvy with energy hacks as costs surge
As energy costs continue to climb across Australia, a recent study commissioned by Zip Co (ASX: ZIP) reveals that 91% of Australians are actively seeking innovative ways to reduce their energy bills. The digital financial services company, known for its flexible, customer-centric products, highlights the creative strategies Aussies are employing to combat rising expenses.
Aussies get savvy with energy hacks as costs surge
As energy costs continue to climb across Australia, a recent study commissioned by Zip Co (ASX: ZIP) reveals that 91% of Australians are actively seeking innovative ways to reduce their energy bills. The digital financial services company, known for its flexible, customer-centric products, highlights the creative strategies Aussies are employing to combat rising expenses.
The study, conducted by YouGov in September 2025 with a sample size of 1,029 Australians aged 18 and older, found that a staggering 87% of Australians are experiencing higher energy bills. More than half of these households have seen increases of between 10% and 30%. With household budgets under strain, Zip Co is stepping in to offer financial solutions that empower Australians to manage their spending more effectively.
Becky Cook, Chief Customer & Revenue Officer, ANZ at Zip Co, commented, "With energy bills climbing, we know many households are feeling the pinch. We consistently see customers using Zip to manage their bills, and in August 2025 alone, energy providers made up three of the top five merchants for bills paid with Zip in Australia. At Zip, we’re committed to helping Australians stay on top of rising costs through flexible payment options, giving customers smarter ways to manage their energy expenses now and into the future."
The research highlights several everyday habits that contribute to rising energy costs. Many Australians admit to leaving appliances on standby (44%), charging devices overnight (43%), taking long showers (30%), and boiling more water than needed (22%). Younger generations, particularly Gen Z (95%) and Millennials (92%), are more likely than Baby Boomers (85%) to engage in these energy-wasting habits.
However, faced with escalating costs, Australians are motivated to change. The report indicates that 91% are either currently employing or planning to adopt creative methods to cut back on their energy bills, thus freeing up more cash for other priorities. Traditional energy-saving measures such as switching to solar (72%), sealing off windows and doors to retain heat (50%), and taking shorter showers (31%) are popular choices.
In addition to conventional methods, Australians are embracing more unconventional energy hacks. Some have resorted to showering at the gym to save on water costs (13%), cuddling up with pets or others for warmth (16%), and even leaving bathwater in the tub to heat the room and save on using more hot water (11%).
Cook further elaborated, "It’s clear that Australians are getting more engaged with their energy consumption and, more importantly, how they can reduce their bills. At Zip, we’re here to unlock financial potential for Aussies and provide products that help them reach their goals. Whether that’s an investment in new solar panels from one of our partners like Solahart or a personal loan to make their home more eco-friendly, providing flexibility through financing is essential."
The study also uncovered additional creative energy-saving hacks being adopted across the nation. These include using an air fryer instead of the oven (35%), using mirrors or lighter décor to reflect natural light instead of switching on lights (13%), and growing plants near windows for insulation (17%).
Financial flexibility is becoming increasingly important for Australians, with two in three (66%) considering spreading their energy costs across multiple months. Gen Z (75%) and Millennials (76%) are particularly keen on this approach, compared to Gen X (64%) and Baby Boomers (52%).
New South Wales residents appear to be the most proactive in adopting energy-saving techniques, with 92% having either adopted or considering adopting methods to cut down on their energy bills.
As Australians continue to grapple with rising energy costs, the creative solutions being implemented across the country highlight a growing awareness and commitment to energy conservation. Zip Co's research not only sheds light on these innovative strategies but also underscores the importance of financial solutions that empower consumers to take control of their expenses.
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