The number of Australians working from home has doubled since the COVID-19 pandemic began, according to the University of Sydney's 2020 Transport Opinion Survey. If you're one of these people, you might have noticed your most recent energy bills have been higher than you're used to.
When you're at home, you foot the bill for all the energy you use that would normally be covered by your employer. So how much would one person working from home add to their energy bill every 3 months? We've crunched the numbers and found that one person could add an extra:
When you add up:
When you add up:
Here are three things you can do to cut your power consumption when working from home:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the ATO has put in place a special shortcut method for claiming working from home expenses, including your energy bill. We've broken this method down for you here.
There are two main types of assistance for customers who are struggling with their energy bills during the coronavirus period and beyond:
Our energy guides can help you compare and understand what plan is best for you.
Best energy plans: 5 plans selected by our experts, assessed and updated regularly
Cheap energy plans: Find the cheapest energy plans available this month
Solar power plans: Got rooftop solar? Compare your options and save even more
Average energy bill: Find out how your energy bill compares to the rest of Australia
Compare the cheapest electricity and gas plans available in your state.
We’ll help you decide if Jacana Energy is right for your household or business.
Find out if GloBird Energy fits your household bill.
Find out how 1st Energy’s plans fare in your state.
Take the hassle out of signing up with different providers by bundling your energy and internet and claiming a discount.
Most Western Australia residents can't switch electricity providers but have a few options when it comes to gas. Find out if you can switch energy retailers.
EnergyAustralia provides a variety of options for gas supply to residential and business clients.
Our verdict: Momentum Energy is a solid option if you’re searching for a green energy provider as well as reasonably priced plans in NSW, VIC, SA or QLD.
Tasmania-based Aurora Energy is a good choice for those looking for a small energy provider that offers some useful discounts and is fully GreenPower accredited.
Alinta Energy's prices fall in the middle of the pack but you do get some extra perks alongside.