Amber and PureProfile surveyed 1,000 Aussie household energy bill decision-makers to shine a light on their energy habits. As a business that doesn’t profit from how much energy our customers use, we’ve got nothing to gain from their power habits - except insight to help them make smarter, greener choices. The results are in, and we’re ready to reveal how Australians are powering up and where they’re driving change.
Across the country, Australians are feeling the weight of their energy choices more than ever.
Rising electricity costs and a heightened awareness of environmental impact have made energy use a source of stress for many households. From air conditioning to kitchen appliances, people are rethinking their daily habits, torn between staying comfortable and keeping bills manageable. This guilt often stems from the pressure to do more for the planet while balancing the realities of financial strain, leaving many to question their energy decisions.
Australians’ feelings of guilt about their energy use are reflected in the numbers.
As part of our study, we uncovered just how many people feel conflicted about using everyday appliances and how they’re trying to adjust their habits to cope.
Here’s a closer look at the statistics that reveal the guilt Aussies are feeling when balancing comfort, cost, and environmental responsibility:
Energy guilt is especially strong in hotter states, where air conditioning is often a necessity. As temperatures rise, the dilemma between comfort and cost becomes even more pressing for households.
feel guilty about using their air conditioner
feel guilty about using their air conditioner
These stats reveal just how much guilt weighs on Australians during summer, with many feeling conflicted about staying comfortable. From choosing air conditioning to using dryers over clotheslines, the pressure to manage both cost and environmental impact is real.
feel guilty about leaving their Hills Hoists unused while they opt for the powered clothes dryer instead.
also wrestle with the guilt of using the dryer over hanging their clothes outside.
As energy costs rise, Australians are finding creative ways to cut back—making small shifts like swapping ovens for microwaves or more drastic changes, such as relying on public spaces for heating and cooling. These strategies reflect the growing challenge of balancing comfort with affordability, highlighting the lengths people are going to manage their energy use effectively.
of Gen Z are showering at the gym to avoid using hot water at home.
Aligning high-energy tasks, like running air conditioners or dryers, with periods of abundant renewable energy helps reduce both costs and environmental impact. Customers on Amber’s real-time pricing model have greater opportunities to benefit by tapping into these greener periods, managing energy more efficiently without compromising on comfort. This guide details the energy use of high-demand devices like dryers and air conditioners alongside lower-consumption items such as microwaves and fans.
Dryer
Wall panel heater
Portable heater
Dishwasher
Washer
(energy star rated)
Washer
(older model)
AC Unit
Electric oven / stove
Vacuum
Desk computer
Laptop
(15 inch)
Kettle
Hairdryer
Microwave
TV
LED TV
(50 inch)
Electric fan
Incandescent light
LED light
Fridge
Toaster
•
these items do use a fair bit of energy but we generally only use them for a short period of time, so they're less likely to cost you a lot, even at a higher price time.
Energy use figures provided are not guaranteed. They are averages based on a cross-section of common appliances.
This independent national consumer study was conducted by Pure Profile on behalf of Amber Electric, between 28 August 2024 and 2 September 2024. The research surveyed 1,000 Australian energy bill decision makers aged 18+ with representation from all states and territories across Australia.
