Energy Tips
7 Cheap Hacks for Students to Cut Their Power Bills
Easy fixes to lower your bill without cramping your lifestyle.
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Important Points
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From switching to a better energy plan and making small changes to how you use appliances, to free hacks like draft stoppers or studying in air-conditioned public spaces, there are plenty of simple ways to save.
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Even everyday habits, like cooking in bulk, washing full loads, or using energy-saving modes on devices, can add up to noticeable savings.
Being a student means managing rent, food, study, and the occasional night out. Power bills? They’re just another expense you don’t need hanging over your head. According to the latest report from Energy Consumers Australia, 1 in 5 Aussies are experiencing some form of energy hardship. So if you’re feeling the financial pinch, you’re not alone. The good news? We’ve got you covered with 7 cheap hacks to cut your bills.
1. Switch to a Cheaper Energy Plan
Electricity plans are a bit like mobile plans; if you’ve been on the same one for a while, chances are you’re paying too much.
If you’re in a share house, don’t write this off. In fact, it makes even more sense. Get everyone together, gather the bills, and look at plans as a group. Sharing the comparison process keeps things transparent, and splitting the savings across three, four, or five people means everyone benefits.
Shopping the market for a new energy plan isn’t the most exciting part of student life, but it could save you serious cash. Simply enter your postcode below and see some of the cheapest plans available in your area. Or, call us on 1300 232 848 and we’ll do the comparing for you, so you can get back to focusing on study, friends, and, well… anything but energy bills.
12. Outsource Your Laundry (a.k.a. Take It Home)
If you’re heading home for the weekend, bring your laundry with you. Washing machines and dryers are some of the worst offenders when it comes to electricity usage, and running them regularly adds up fast on your power bill. By letting Mum and Dad’s washing machine take the hit (cheers, parents), you can shave a few dollars off your own weekly costs.
Of course, not everyone can make it home often, and that’s okay. The next best move is to make every wash count. Instead of running the machine for half a load of clothes, wait until you’ve got a full basket of clothes. That way, you’re getting the maximum value out of every spin cycle. And if your rental has a dryer, consider dropping it altogether. Grab a clothesline and hang your clothes. Air drying might take a little longer, but it’s free and could save you around $80 a year¹.
23. Hack Free Air Con (and Wi-Fi)
Air conditioners make up a large portion of your electricity bill. A simple way to cut back is to make use of public spaces already cooled for comfort, like libraries, malls, or cafés. Not only do you reduce your energy costs, but you also gain access to free internet and a productive environment, turning one smart choice into multiple benefits.
Think of it like “energy sharing.” These places are cooling their spaces regardless, so by working or studying there, you’re staying comfy from systems that are already running. It’s an efficient, practical choice that saves money and helps you use your own appliances less.
34. DIY Draft Stoppers
Cold air sneaks in through door gaps and makes heaters work overtime. A cheap fix? Grab an old towel or fill a sock with rice and use it as a draft stopper. Not pretty, but it works, and it could shave 5-10% off heating costs in winter, according to the Victorian Government’s Department of Energy.
45. Tweak Your Energy Settings
Modern gadgets and appliances around your student pad, laptops, phones, fridges, and even washers, all consume a significant amount of electricity. But there’s a simple fix: make good use of “eco” or energy-saving modes. Phones and laptops can dim screens, reduce background activity, and limit processor use, while fridges and freezers can save a surprising amount of energy if you set them to the optimal temperature (around 3°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer). Even smaller adjustments, like matching your pot size to the burner while cooking or keeping lids on pans, can cut energy use in the kitchen.
You can go a step further with smart plugs, cold-water laundry, and eco-efficient scheduling. Smart plugs let you schedule devices like coffee makers, lamps, or space heaters so they’re only on when needed, while washing clothes in cold water and air-drying them saves both money and electricity. Implementing even a few of these hacks can noticeably lower your bills, leaving more money for textbooks, coffee runs, or weekend adventures.
56. Make Shared Living Fair (and Cheaper)
Nothing ruins good housemate vibes faster than an energy bill that looks like it belongs to a nightclub. Avoid the drama by setting some “energy etiquette” rules, like banning heaters for empty rooms or stopping the endless kitchen oven parade. Seriously, you don’t all need to cook lasagna separately.
The funny thing? These little hacks not only save money but also cut down on arguments. Cook together, share the lights, and suddenly the bill’s lighter and so is the mood at home. Less money stress = more Netflix nights without guilt.
67. Cook in Bulk
Using the oven or stove every night adds up quickly, both in energy and in time. A smarter hack is to batch cook a few meals in one go. For example, make a big pot of pasta sauce, soup, or curry on Sunday and portion it out for the week. You’re only running the stove once instead of five times, which can shave a few dollars off your electricity bill while also making weekday dinners stress-free.
If you live with housemates, take this hack further by cooking together. One giant lasagna or stir-fry split between four people is way more cost- and energy-efficient than everyone firing up the oven separately. Plus, it builds in a bit of social time (and maybe even a roster to share the cooking load). It’s one of the easiest ways to cut down on wasted energy while still eating well.
Author
Benjamin TomBenjamin is a utility specialist passionate about creating informative content about the energy, internet, and solar markets. With extensive experience in the telecommunications industry, Benjamin drives our unique blog posts, articles, and reviews. He is focused on breaking down the technical jargon so our readers can better understand the telco market and industry. Whether he is comparing the latest internet deals or creating unique guides, Benjamin takes great pride in creating helpful, easy-to-read content.
Sources:
¹Australian Government, Simple Actions to Save Energy, Energy.gov.au,
