Recent research conducted by the Australian Council of Social Service (ACOSS) highlights the alarming reality that many Australians are struggling to balance their essential needs. A survey of 1,011 participants revealed distressing insights, with half of respondents admitting to skipping meals or foregoing necessary medications just to afford electricity for heating or cooling their homes.
The rising costs of power have forced some individuals to sell personal belongings or rely on “buy now, pay later” schemes to manage their skyrocketing energy bills. Many are resorting to drastic measures, such as avoiding air conditioning entirely, to manage their energy consumption. This has led to significant discomfort, particularly during harsh weather conditions.
One participant, Von, a 62-year-old on a disability pension from New South Wales, expressed the detrimental impact of these choices on her daily life. She shared that using her air conditioner isn’t financially feasible, even as temperatures soar. Instead, Von has been relying on cooling methods like fans and cold showers to get through the night, illustrating the dire consequences of unaffordable energy costs on health and wellbeing.
Similarly, Euan, a 61-year-old man from Melbourne, described hot summer nights as “terrible.” His home’s inadequate cooling facilities exacerbate the stress of managing comfort on a limited budget, showcasing how the burden of high energy expenses disproportionately affects those on fixed incomes.
The survey revealed a widespread trend among respondents, with many reporting reductions in energy usage by limiting light, reducing shower times, or turning off large appliances to mitigate costs.
Dr. Cassandra Goldie, CEO of ACOSS, condemned the situation, noting it is unacceptable for people in a wealthy nation to suffer health issues, hunger, and delayed medical care due to inability to afford power and cooling solutions. She calls for immediate action from the federal government to fund energy efficiency upgrades in social housing, aiming to improve living conditions for low-income and First Nations communities.
As the Australian Energy Regulator warns of impending increases in energy costs, with households potentially facing an additional $200 in annual electricity bills from July 1, the urgency for changes in energy policy is more pronounced than ever. Dr. Goldie urges the government to help enhance the thermal efficiency of homes, promote electrification, and encourage the adoption of solar energy solutions.
In summary, this significant research underscores a growing crisis where essential services like heating and cooling are becoming luxuries that many cannot afford, urging immediate governmental support to protect vulnerable populations from further financial strain.