Summer in Australia can be a fun time with Christmas, holidays, beach swims and backyard cricket. And it can also be extra stressful with hotter, longer days, higher electricity bills and extra costs.
If you’re breaking out in a sweat just reading this, you’re not alone.
A new report from Energy Consumers Australia found that about 70% of people who rent are avoiding cooling their homes to save money.
Many of us already know the tricks to cool our homes without turning on the air conditioner: using fans, closing blinds on the sun-facing side of your home, creating a ‘cool zone’ in one or two rooms, and opening windows at night to let the cooler air in.
Have you also looked at whether you’re eligible for energy bill rebates and concessions? To find out what’s available, go to energy.gov.au/rebates.
NB: The Salvation Army has resources that may help. If you’re behind on your electricity bills, there are options available to you through their services.
If you’re experiencing financial struggles, check with your utility provider about their financial hardship policy, and discuss options for a payment plan. Based on your eligibility, The Salvation Army can also provide some financial assistance with bills.
As the cost of living independently is becoming more difficult, many Australian households are multi-generational with adult children moving back home. Sometimes this means household bills are too high for Mum or Dad to cover alone. If you’d like to start an open money conversation with your household, we have a great video and action plan on our website here.
Most of us find talking about money tough – and it costs us!
If you’d like to talk about money with a professional, you can chat confidentially to a Moneycare financial counsellor for free on their website: salvationarmy.org.au/Moneycare.
Let me know if you need a referral to any professional. Kelvin
