A Renter’s Guide to Saving Money On Electricity

• How the Right Energy Plan Can Help Lower Your Bill
• Simple Ways For Renters to Implement Energy-Efficient Changes
• How To Use Your Energy Bill as a Tool for Savings
• The Impact of Small Changes on Your Overall Savings
• The Importance of Checking for Embedded Networks

The financial pressures that come with being a renter can be suffocating—especially with the constant demands of monthly rent, grocery bills, and the soaring cost of living. It’s no wonder many renters are looking for ways to stretch their budgets further. With high energy bills adding to the financial strain, finding new and effective ways to save electricity has never been more important.

Finding a competitive energy plan tailored to your household usage is one of the most effective ways to lower your power bill—regardless of whether you’re a renter or homeowner. The good news is that comparing plans has become a straightforward process, and the market is ripe with competitive offers, even for renters. For example, some providers include perks like no connection fees or flexible contracts, making it easier for short-term leases. You might also find plans with incentives, such as signup discounts or bundled services, which can offer additional savings.

In addition, many electricity providers now offer mobile apps and online platforms that let you track your electricity use in real-time and view historical trends. This is great for budget-conscious renters, as it can give you a detailed look into where your energy goes and make it easier to identify habits driving up costs. For example, if you’re on a Time of Use (TOU) tariff—which charges different rates depending on the time of day—tracking your usage through an app can help identify usage patterns so you can shift energy-intensive activities, like running the washing machine or dishwasher, to off-peak hours when electricity costs are lower.

So, you might be thinking, “Am I on the best energy plan?” There’s only one way to find out—and that’s to compare your rates to other plans currently on the market. Remember, in deregulated parts of Australia, energy consumers like you have the freedom to choose their providers. Why pay more than you need to when you could be saving? A quick comparison could help you switch to a plan that’s easier on your budget. 

This is where an energy broker, like Electricity Monster, can be a huge help. We make it simple by doing all the work for you—no need to spend hours on comparison websites or sitting on hold. We can help you find a plan that matches your energy needs and usage profile and get you connected fast (and sometimes on the same day). Best of all, our service is completely free. You just tell us what you need, and we’ll get your connection sorted quickly and easily.

As a renter, there are several easy, low-cost moves that can help lower your energy bill. One of the easiest ways to save is by skipping the dryer and opting for a clothesline. With Australia’s sunny climate, drying your clothes outdoors can cut down on energy use and help your clothes last longer, reducing issues like shrinkage and fading—something dryers are notorious for. Plus, it’s a great way to freshen up your laundry without the added cost of fabric softeners and dryer sheets. 

When using your dishwasher or washing machine, try to run full loads only and use cold water. Continuously washing your clothes uses a large amount of electricity, which can add up quickly. 

Check out our article Top 7 Summer Energy Saving Tips for more exclusive hacks.

If you have ceiling fans, they can be very energy-efficient for temperature control. In the summer, using ceiling fans circulates cool air, so you rely less on your air conditioning unit. In winter, simply reversing the fan direction pushes warm air down, allowing you to stay cozy without firing up your heater. 

If you’re sharing a rental with roommates, sorting out the bills is more than just splitting costs—it’s about being clear on who’s responsible. Having utility accounts (like electricity and internet) in one person’s name can help simplify things, but it also means that the person is financially on the hook if there are any missed payments or someone moves out early. To keep it fair, you might consider rotating account holders every lease term or setting up a shared payment plan that divides the responsibility equally. Discussing these details early on can avoid future hassles and keep everything transparent for a seamless, drama-free living situation.

Finally, there’s a phenomenon known as “phantom energy”, which is the energy used by devices plugged in but not actively used. This includes things like phone chargers, small appliances, and even TVs. One way you can avoid phantom energy is to unplug devices when you’re done or consider using a smart power strip, which can automatically stop power to devices in standby mode. Remember, no amount is too small when it comes to saving energy.

If you’re like most Aussies, the last thing you want to look at is your power bill (understandably), but taking a detailed look at it can actually be an effective way to save. 

Your bill usually includes two main charges: supply charges (a daily fixed rate) and usage charges (based on kilowatt-hours, or kWh, used). These two charges are important as they can help identify where the majority of your cost is coming from. The supply charge is a daily fixed rate, so you’ll still pay this fee even if you don’t use any energy. If you notice that the supply charge makes up a large portion of your bill, finding a provider with a lower supply charge could be ideal, especially for households with lower energy usage.

On the other hand, the usage charge is based on the amount of energy you use. The usage charge can make up a large portion of your bill if you have a busy household with multiple people or appliances in constant use.

Another area to focus on is the fees section. Two common charges you may see are connection or disconnection charges, which can be applied to your bill when you move. Remember, these fees can add up, particularly for renters who move frequently. Additionally, these fees, on top of your rent and deposit, can add up quickly. Some energy providers offer plans without these fees or special discounts for new customers, so checking for these options could save money.

Lastly, there are government rebate programs available for eligible renters that can reduce the overall cost of your energy bill, so it’s worth checking if you qualify. These programs vary by state, but they’re designed to help eligible renters lower their overall energy costs. Rebates are typically aimed at low-income households or those in unique situations, such as families, pensioners, or people with medical needs requiring special equipment.

While renters are somewhat limited in what they can replace, there are still several avenues you can pursue to become more energy-efficient. Remember, the collective cost of all your appliances, lights, and devices can add up. By making small, subtle changes, you could see your power bill decrease over time. 

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, always look at the energy rating label—higher stars on the label mean more efficiency and lower running costs. Many renters purchase inefficient appliances, which are relatively cheap upfront but can cost you more money in the long run. According to Sustainability Victoria, every extra star can save up to 25 per cent of your washing machine’s warm cycle energy. So, consider a more energy-efficient appliance if you’re in the market for long-term savings.

To cut down on heating and cooling costs, sealing drafts around doors and windows can make a big difference, especially in older apartments with less insulation. You can also apply fixtures like heavy curtains, door snakes, or fans around your home. 

Many rental properties come with older and less energy-efficient fridges. You can reduce energy use by setting your fridge to 4–5°C and the freezer to -15–18°C, which can keep food fresh without making your refrigerator work harder than it needs to. Also, always make sure your fridge door is sealed tight. Leaving a gap or crack can let the cold air escape, forcing your fridge’s cooling cycle to run until the desired temperature is reached. 

If your property has a solar system installed, you can maximise your savings by running energy-intensive tasks during the day, which can help lower the amount of power you purchase from the main grid. Running your appliance when your solar system is producing excess energy can help significantly lower electricity costs, especially during peak hours when rates are higher.

If you’re renting in a larger building or apartment complex, check if you’re on an embedded network. This is when your electricity is provided through a private network shared across multiple units and is managed by a single energy supplier. 

These networks can offer cost benefits for landlords and property owners, but they can mean limited choice for tenants—you could be locked into the provider the building has selected. This arrangement can be convenient for renters who don’t particularly care about choosing a new electricity plan and just want to move in. However, consumers who want to choose their own provider can face difficulties if they want to switch. This is because of the way the network has been wired. Additionally, electricity retailers may not want to sell energy to consumers in an embedded network.

In an embedded network, the site owner or operator typically pays these network charges and then bills you for your portion. If you stick with purchasing electricity from the site owner, this isn’t a problem. However, when you switch to a new retailer, they can add their own network charge on top of what you might already owe the site operator.

To avoid paying these charges twice, ask your energy retailer if they can provide an ‘energy only’ plan. Additionally, you can also check if your site’s owner or operator can work with the retailer to clarify who will bill you for the network charges. 

Before signing a lease, ask the property manager if the property is on an embedded network. If the answer is yes, confirm the rates, fees, and terms, as you may not have the freedom to change providers or access some rebates available to other consumers. This step is crucial as it can help you avoid surprises and give you a clear picture of your long-term energy costs.