How Much Electricity Does an Average Australian Home Use?

Ever looked at your electricity bill and wondered, “Is this normal?” Whether you're aiming to cut costs or simply curious, understanding how much electricity the average household uses and pays, can help you stay in control of your expenses.

Here’s a quick snapshot:

A single-person household pays around $263 per quarter, while a family of four averages about $420 per quarter.

Across states, NSW households tend to pay the most (around $2,004 per year), while Victoria is generally cheaper ($1564 per year).

Your actual bill depends on things like household size, climate, appliance efficiency, and the electricity plan you're on.

Reviewing your usage and switching to a better plan can lead to real savings.

We’ll explain each of these in more detail below.

Average Household Electricity Usage in Australia

Electricity usage can vary widely depending on your household size, location, and how energy-efficient your appliances are. Based on data from Canstar Blue, here’s a general look at the average quarterly electricity bills by household size:

Note: These are average figures from Canstar Blue’s research and should be treated as estimates only. Your actual bill may be higher or lower depending on the appliances you use and how much electricity your household consumes daily.

Location and climate also play a big role. For example, homes in hotter areas might use more electricity for air conditioning, while those in colder climates tend to spend more on heating.

Average Electricity Bills by State (2025)

Electricity costs aren’t the same across Australia. They can vary significantly depending on where you live. Factors like how electricity is generated in each state, the level of competition between providers, and local government policies all play a role. Here’s a closer look at the average annual electricity bills by state in 2025 to help you get a sense of what’s typical.

1. Average Electricity Bills in Victoria (VIC)

If you're living in Victoria, you're likely paying around $391 per quarter on electricity. That adds up to roughly $1,564 a year (Canstar Blue).

Victoria tends to have lower electricity bills compared to some other states, thanks to a relatively competitive market and a mix of energy sources. But even within the state, your bill can vary based on your usage habits, appliance efficiency, and the plan you’re on.

2. Average Electricity Bills in New South Wales (NSW)

In New South Wales, households are seeing slightly higher electricity bills on average. According to Canstar Blue, the average quarterly bill in NSW is about $501, or around $2,004 annually.

Electricity prices in NSW can fluctuate based on seasonal demand and network charges. With hot summers and cold winters in many parts of the state, energy usage for heating and cooling can be a big driver of your bill.

3. Average Electricity Bills in Queensland (QLD)

Queensland households are paying around $481 per quarter, which comes to approximately $1,924 a year (Canstar Blue).

With Queensland’s warm climate, a significant portion of electricity usage often goes to air conditioning, especially during the summer months. This can push bills up if you're not on an efficient plan or using older appliances.

When it comes to gas usage, South Australia reported the highest average gas bills, followed by the ACT and Victoria, while households in Western Australia enjoyed the lowest, according to Canstar Blue. Gas costs also tend to rise with household size, a "one-person" household averaged just $149 per quarter, while larger households paid significantly more.  We’ll break down gas usage and pricing in more detail in a separate blog, so stay tuned if you’re looking to understand your total enrgy spend.

What Affects Your Electricity Bill?

While average electricity bills can give you a general idea of what others are paying, your actual bill can be quite different. That’s because two key factors influence your energy costs:

1. How much electricity your household uses

The size of your household plays a role. For example, a couple will usually use less power than a family of five. But usage isn’t just about the number of people. Other things matter too, like:

How energy-efficient your appliances are

How often do you use high-consumption items (like heaters, air conditioners, and clothes dryers)

Whether your home has solar panels or not

If you're unsure how your usage compares, checking your bill against the average for similar-sized households can be a helpful starting point.

2. The electricity rate you’re on

Even if two households use the same amount of energy, the one with a better electricity deal will pay less. That’s why the plan you’re on is just as important as how much power you use. Some providers offer lower rates, discounts, or flexible plans that could make a real difference to your bottom line.

Want to lower your electricity bill?

Start by tracking your usage and reviewing your current plan. Even small changes, such as switching to energy-efficient lighting or comparing providers, can lead to noticeable savings. Click here for more energy-savings tips

Want to check if you're getting the best deal?

Pop in your postcode below to see what energy plans are available in your area. You might be able to save just by switching.