Wow, $920 is a big hit! Winter bills can be brutal. I’m in a similar boat with high charges here, so I’ve shopped around for better deals. Have you tried Energy Made Easy? It’s a government comparison site that might help find a better rate. Also, check if you’re using the appliances during peak times—off-peak can save quite a bit.

For your solar, 10c FIT isn’t great—some providers offer higher, but it depends on your setup. Maybe see if others in your area get better deals with smaller providers? Every bit counts when prices are through the roof like this!

We have high bills since moving to a bigger property in Qld. I’ve done some comparisons and changed electricity companies. Also looking at more solar panels as we do get heaps of sun and possibly a battery. I also try to turn things off when not using them, turn them off when we go on holidays, make sure the pool is set to the right season, only use the air con when we really need it and try to use more electricity during the day when the solar is at its best.

When I lived in SA I used to get bills around the $500 mark and that was a small 3 bedroom house

I’m in qld I feel your pain. I was a long time origin customer but I found that they weren’t interested in offering good deals to existing customers so I changed suppliers. Also might pay to check if there are any energy rebate schemes in Sa. In qld you can apply for $720 every two years for power

We try our best to keep our electricity usage low. We have solar panels on our roof and make sure to only have the lights on that we need and most nights once the kids are in bed we just have the tv on and that is our light as well. We are also hoping for an even lower bill because we got a new hot water system (the old one was from 1987) so I can only imaging how much power that was using.

we have big bills too and seriously thinking of solar panels. We turn of appliances at at the power point, are very good at not leaving lights on etc. Will check our fridge seals though as it is getting old and Ive heard fridges can chew up a lot of electricity if not running effectively.

That does seem rather high, especially with solar. Make sure your windows have thick curtains, preferably to the floor, to keep in heat, in winter. Use draught stoppers on doors. Put on an extra layer if possible rather than the heater. If you use the oven, try and cook two meals worth at a time. All the little things may help. Oh and change companies. Origin is known for being expensive,

Is there a website that you can compare companies?

We are 3 adults with simply energy. Average $300 a quarter in Victoria

Ours was almost that over winter too and we are with Origin also (in NSW). We are also in an apartment with no access to a clothes line and not even allowed to dry things on balconies which is ridiculous so we use the dryer a lot. We found, when we had to get a new washing machine, our new one was much more energy efficient and uses less water so if we wash in hot water (I work in a vet clinic so need to wash things very well), our energy use is less with the newer appliance. I think I might consider swapping from Origin also as they just continue to climb even though we use less.

Yes its terrible but also worked out how we use it in the household affects the monthly rates. EG. How long do you turn the lights on a given day/night, how often do you cook , Is your PC on sleep most days or is it used everyday etc. Even charging your mobile makes a difference . Also of your the only one that cares and no one else does , it wont help either. Split the bills with your adult children if they still live at home and hopefully they have casual jobs !

SA here energy Australia $600 winter bill just switched to origin as I needed a gas supply added first month’s bill $150 for gas and electric

Does your state government offer house audits to suggest ways to save energy?

We pay anywhere from $800-$1000 per quarter.

Shorter showers can also help reduce costs.

How much shade does your solar panels get on them? If you have a higher building or trees shading them you may not be getting much benefit from them. Does your family leave lights on when not being used, watch TV, use computer a lot, leave things on standby (they are still using some electricity, do you do small loads of washing instead of full or medium loads? Some people have switched to Simply Energy for lower costs.

Our winter bill is only about half that but we don’t use any heating or airconditioning, which is a major cost. Our home is open plan which would cost a lot to heat so we just wear more clothing during the colder months and we use fans instead of airconditioning in the summer. It’s not as comfortable but we don’t get huge bills.

Wow i think change providers. Mine are usually around the 300 mark

Fellow South Aussie here – our charges and rates are absolutely ridiculous!!

We pay around $800-900 now as an average bill, more during summer & winter

I just switched from Origin to Red Energy. I liked that they were Aussie owned and operated and that their rates seemed cheaper/fairer. I have only just switched over so I can’t comment yet as to what they’re like but I’m hoping for cheaper electricity & gas bills