Latest news with #MariamGabaji
7NEWS
4 days ago
- Health
- 7NEWS
Rising energy costs leave Aussies in the cold
Millions of Australians are struggling to afford to warm their homes this winter, according to new research by free comparison website, Finder. The survey found one in eight Australians admit they endure a cold house 'all the time' to avoid a high winter energy bill. Meanwhile, more than 1 in 4 say they try to avoid using their heater 'as often as they can,' despite low temperatures, just to keep a lid on their energy costs. The findings come just a month after Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker revealed 29 per cent of Australians named their energy bill as one of their top three most stressful expenses. Australians reported spending $374 on average on their quarterly energy bill in July 2025 - up 13 per cent from $331 in July 2022. Finder energy expert Mariam Gabaji said millions of households are shivering through winter and sacrificing their comfort and health just to avoid another crushing energy bill. "Energy prices have risen sharply, and it's pushing people into impossible decisions - like choosing between heating and putting food on the table," she said. "Going cold all winter isn't just uncomfortable - it can be dangerous, especially for elderly Australians and young children," she added. Gabaji said that for some households the stress of high energy bills can have a ripple effect with some having to go into debt to keep the lights on. Interestingly, one in five Australians indicated it is not cold enough where they live to have to worry about heating their homes. However, for the rest of us, there are some simple steps you can take to save on your energy costs, by maximising heating efficiency, minimising heat loss and shopping around for a better energy plan. To maximise heating efficiency, spend time adjusting or programming thermostat settings, if you have one. Between 18 and 20 degrees is typically ideal, while programming your heating, so that it automatically adjusts temperatures to suit your requirements, will save you even more. Using ceramic heaters to spot heat smaller rooms, and closing doors to areas you are not using, can also save you money, as well as using electric blankets or hot water bottles overnight. For reducing heat loss, close curtains and blinds before sunset to trap heat inside and open them during sunny days to utilise solar heat. You can also strategically place rugs to help insulate floors and prevent cold air from seeping in and seal gaps around windows and doors.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New hipages energy service to save Aussies $250 a year by automatically switching plans
Finder's utilities expert Mariam Gabaji said better energy offers can be found on the first page of your bill, but a new system is set to do all the hard work for you. (Source: Finder/Supplied/Getty) There's a new system to help keep your electricity bill as low as possible and it's set to save the average Australian $250 a year. Hipages energy will automatically roll you onto a new plan if a cheaper one becomes available. Some Aussies might not have noticed the small note on their energy bills that now legally has to advise you every 90 days if there's a cheaper plan available. Finder utilities expert Mariam Gabaji told Yahoo Finance that "many people miss it" even though it's on the first page of your invoice. Despite facing another energy bill price rise of up to $300, Australians simply can't be bothered to make the change, paying a collectively $1.1 billion in electricity loyalty tax. The hipages energy system is set to change that. RELATED How does it work? The hipages energy setup uses Australia's Open Energy initiative to do all the heavy lifting for you. The Open Energy initiative is managed by the consumer watchdog and allows you to access and share your energy data. The data is collected by your electricity smart meter and it's meant to give you more "choice, control, and convenience" when managing your energy usage. It also helps you find the best retail price deals as this data provides a much more accurate snapshot of your usage. Do you have a story? Email 'We know that all Australians have been hit hard with skyrocketing prices, and the cost of energy is causing particular strain," hipages Group CEO Roby Sharon-Zipser told Yahoo Finance. The system harnesses this platform to chuck you onto a similar but cheaper deal if and when it becomes available. "While the extension of the Federal Government's Energy Bill Relief Fund will help, it's unfortunately a temporary solution," Sharon-Zipser added. 'For homeowners and renters, hipages energy ensures residents always have a competitive electricity deal by automatically switching their plan.' The company estimated this first-of-its-kind initiative will shave off 20 per cent off your energy bill within the first year. They're so confident in that belief, that if your bill is $5,000 or less and you don't get that much in savings, you'll get a $1,000 gift card. 'We hope that by expanding our offerings available to homeowners and business owners, we can make building and maintaining homes and businesses easier," Sharon-Zipser said.
