Soaring prices see young Aussies afraid to turn on heating, living off tuna and rice

Young Aussies are making huge sacrifices to stay warm this winter as temperatures plummet and energy costs skyrocket.

Aussies are struggling to keep up with rising power prices, with many forgoing heating this winter in a bid to save money. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

Millions of Aussies are being hit hard as temperatures plummet and energy prices soar, turning to $4 meals of tuna and rice and unable to properly heat their homes.

Nearly three quarters of Australian households have had to limit how often they turn on the heating, while one in five have had to cut the practice completely, according to new research from Finder.

Matt Casalis, 27, recently had to move houses in Melbourne after the owners of his previous rental decided to sell.

He now lives in a share house in the city’s inner north, which is a traditional brick terrace providing little by way of insulation or modern heating solutions.

“Everything has jumped up so much this year, specifically bills and heating, and this winter has felt especially cold,” he said.

“Having moved into an older house there’s definitely less insulation and it’s hard to keep any heat in, I’ve really had to rely on blankets, scarfs, and even an Oodie.”

Matt Casalis, 27, said he is using blankets, scarfs and an Oodie to keep warm as heating is too expensive. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

This follows the Australian Energy Regulator’s July 1 energy price increase, which will see costs increase up to 25 per cent in households across NSW, South Australia and southeast Queensland.

Victorian consumers were also hit with a 25 per cent increase following a separate ruling from the Essential Services Commission in May.

Research shows younger Australians are feeling the pinch the most, with 79 per cent of Millennials and Gen Z using their heater less, compared to 69 and 60 per cent of Gen X and Baby Boomers respectively.

Mr Casalis said his most recent gas bill came as a shock and has forced him and his housemates to make changes to their living habits.

“It was really eye-opening having to confront our gas bills this winter,” he said.

“I’ve had to buy a little radiator heater for my room which I use very sparingly, otherwise we have an old gas heater in the living room but we’d only turn that on if we had people over.

“It’s a bit sad because otherwise we all just have to stay in our rooms and use our portable heaters or it’s too expensive.”

Mr Casalis said he and others his age have been rocked by soaring cost of living expenses, with his current rent “definitely an increase” on previous properties.

Finder’s research revealed one in four Australians list energy bills as one of their top three most stressful expenses, behind rent/mortgage payments and groceries.

Mr Casalis has had to cut corners across the board to help make ends meet.

“When we moved a couple months ago, the rental prices of everything we looked at were a shock to the system,” he said.

“Now I won’t buy a packet of chips because I can’t justify the $6.

“I’ve been hitting the tuna and rice pretty hard, an average price of $4 a meal … it’s good protein but you definitely get over it.”

Energy bills on Australia’s east coast have spiked by 25 per cent, leaving many feeling the pinch as temperatures plummet. Photo by LOIC VENANCE / AFP

Finder energy expert Mariam Gabaji said many households have had been forced to take matters into their own hands now temperatures are dropping across the nation.

“It’s been a huge year for Aussies who are not only grappling with higher energy bills, but also the cost of living crisis in general,” she said.

“Some retailers are sending out notices informing customers of massive increases to their power rates which will lead to widespread bill shock without urgent action.”

Ms Gabaji recommended households regularly check their energy plans to make sure they’re getting the best deal possible and to only set heaters to 18-20 degrees.

“Every extra degree you increase your heating can add 10 per cent to your bill over the colder months which could add up to hundreds of dollars if you are not careful,” she said.

Mr Casalis and his dog Bruno will often cuddle up on the couch to stay warm. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicki Connolly

She recommended using cheaper heating options, such as electric blankets, and urged Aussies to check if they are eligible for government rebates.

“State and Federal governments have announced billions of dollars in extra relief, so check if you are eligible for any extra assistance.”

As for Mr Casalis, he often turns to the family dog Bruno for a cheap source of warmth, although the short haired Hungarian Vizsla is not immune to the cold himself.

“Bruno is no exception, he feels the cold too,” he said.

“He loves to rug up and get under the blankets, he’ll sit on the couch with me and it’s a win-win situation, keeping me and himself warm.

“I get hair all over my clothes but it’s worth it.”