It is always ok and a good idea to look at finances and to want to find ways to save costs and to have money for other essentials in life. Sometimes a sit down conversation over a cuppa and something yummy to eat can help with discussing finance and other family matters.

I am not quite sure how the cost of the fish tanks can be isolated; possibly the electricity company has tools for measuring the usage in that area. It might be a good idea to contact them and to find out if there is a way to measure the usage.

Most libraries have home energy kits for loan. (They might not be called exactly that, ask a librarian and they’ll know what I mean.) These usually include meters to let you figure out how much electricity different appliances are using. You can borrow a kit for a week or two and measure!

You are totally right they would definitely be adding quite a bit to your power bill. Get a home power reader. Some electricity companies will supply them or you can buy online or in some stores ie Bunnings. They aren’t super expensive. I think from around $20 !and up but they might save you a lot.

Your electricity bill disagrees with his stance. Last quarter the weather was a killer, I had the ducted aircon running a lot and a toddler learning to eat solids which meant a lot of laundry loads and dishwasher loads. The bill was high for us, $650, and that was without any state rebate. I think I would be bothered by this because he isn’t acknowledging the cost and getting grumpy when you try to discuss it. It sounds really one sided.

There are gadgets you can buy (or hire) to see which appliances are using power and how much. It sounds like it is definitely the fish tanks, they are not free. Maybe he needs to look at how efficient his particular pumps and odds and ends are. They may be very old. I’d ask an electrician about the gadget you need and how to access them.

With out a doubt, the tanks are drawing significant power. I’m surprised the discomfort of not having air-conditioning has not outweighed the comfort of the fish! You can also get financial hardship relief for all utilities by ringing the provider and answering a few questions. Up to $650 per utility. I hope that helps! Also, removing the husband will cut costs.. .

There is a power reader you can hire/buy to measure where exactly your power usage is going. I know people under financial hardship who have been able to access this through financial counselling services. If your husband can see the numbers he might be able to acknowledge his part in the high bills

Is there any way you could switch to solar for the fish tanks even if it is only a little bit to help out. I am not sure if you can work out how much power the fish tank uses but that many sure would cost a lot. Maybe you could ring your power provider and ask them for some tips?

Does your partner contribute to the power bill? If not split it in half every time the bill comes in. He then might take notice and decide to downsize his fish tanks. Good luck in trying to get your point across. Get a copy of the power bill from your supplier if you can with the heating amount and show him.