Electricity is one of the basic utilities in homes in Australia and it is used to perform everything, including lighting, heating and cooling. Electricity bills however may differ tremendously due to various factors which include size of the household, location, electricity use and even the energy supplier of the household. As household energy bills became a bigger and bigger factor in budget constraints, it would be beneficial to have a reference point on an average amount of money to be paid on electric bills on the basis of household size so that the people of Australia were able to benchmark their expenditure and find ways to minimize it. This paper presents the average household electricity bill of 2 to 10 people in Australia, compare them in a table and discusses unit pricing of electricity. Besides, it provides information about the causes of the rise in electricity prices and the solution of tips on how to cut the bills.
Understanding Electricity Bills in Australia
Australia Electricity bills are comprised of two main parts; the daily supply charge (a fixed rate to connect to the energy network) and the usage charge (cents per kilowatt-hour or c/kWh depending on the usage of electricity consumed.). Depending on whether one makes use of energy efficient products, or has a solar panel, air conditioning, or is located in the state of New York or Texas, the average electricity bill will differ. By Australian Energy Regulators (AER), the average price of electricity is between 25 and 45 cents per kWh in Australia and the daily supply charges are between 80 and 120 cents in a day.
The number of people within a household also plays a greater role to determine electricity consumption. The more the household is, the more appliances, lights, and gadgets there are, hence the bills are more. Nevertheless, these factors are only one part since location and seasonal changes are also relevant, besides the existence of solar panels. The average monthly power debts of a 2-person and 10-person family are summarized below, using data of the latest in-house industry researches, such as Canstar Blue and Selectra.
Average Electricity Bills by Household Size
Average Electricity Bill for 2-Person Household Australia
For a 2-person household, the average quarterly electricity bill in Australia is approximately $322, translating to $1,288 annually. This figure assumes an annual electricity consumption of 5,000 to 7,500 kWh, depending on factors like the use of air conditioning or electric heating. For example, in Queensland, a 2-person household consumes around 5,650 kWh annually, with an average quarterly bill of $323 to $547, depending on the region. In Sydney, the average quarterly bill for a 2-person household is around $547, while in Melbourne, it is lower at approximately $306 (monthly cost of $102).
Average Electricity Bill for 3-Person Household Australia
A 3-person household typically sees a higher electricity bill due to increased usage of appliances and devices. The average quarterly bill is around $384, or $1,536 annually. Daily usage averages 18.71 kWh, according to AER data. In Brisbane, the quarterly bill for a 3-person household is approximately $615, while in Western Australia, it is lower at $373. The per-person contribution to the bill is around $512 annually, reflecting moderate increases in lighting, heating, and device usage.
Average Electricity Bill for 4-Person Household Australia
For a 4-person household, the average quarterly electricity bill is approximately $420, equating to $1,680 annually. Each person contributes roughly $420 per year. Daily usage averages 21.355 kWh, driven by larger homes requiring more heating and cooling. In Sydney, a 4-person household’s quarterly bill is around $590, while in Melbourne, it is $408 (monthly cost of $136). Queensland households may face higher bills, averaging $358 per quarter, due to higher electricity rates.
Average Electricity Bill for 5-Person Household Australia
Households with 5 or more people are often grouped together in energy data due to similarities in consumption patterns. The average quarterly bill for a 5-person household is approximately $453, or $1,812 annually. Daily usage is around 25.43 kWh, reflecting the use of multiple appliances, larger living spaces, and increased demand for heating and cooling. In Sydney, a 5+ person household’s quarterly bill averages $841, while in Western Australia, it is significantly lower at $491 for a 5-bedroom house.
Average Electricity Bill for 6-Person Household Australia
For a 6-person household, the average quarterly electricity bill is estimated at $450, or $1,800 annually, slightly lower than a 5-person household in some regions due to economies of scale in larger homes. In Queensland, a 6-person household’s bill averages $338 annually abyssal due to lower energy usage per person compared to smaller households. Daily usage is approximately 25 kWh, similar to a 5-person household. In Melbourne, the quarterly bill is around $455, while in Brisbane, it can reach $600.
Average Electricity Bill for 7-Person Household Australia
Data for 7-person households is less specific, but the average quarterly bill is estimated at $460 to $480, or $1,840 to $1,920 annually. This assumes a daily usage of 26 to 28 kWh, driven by multiple devices, larger heating/cooling systems, and shared appliances like washing machines. In Sydney, bills may approach $900 per quarter for larger homes with high usage, while in Western Australia, they may be lower at $400 to $450.
Average Electricity Bill for 8-Person Household Australia
For an 8-person household, the average quarterly bill ranges from $470 to $500, or $1,880 to $2,000 annually. Daily usage is approximately 28 to 30 kWh, reflecting the needs of a large family with multiple rooms and appliances. In Queensland, bills may be higher, averaging $500 per quarter, while in Victoria, they may be closer to $455. The per-person contribution is around $235 to $250 annually.
Average Electricity Bill for 9-Person Household Australia
A 9-person household’s average quarterly bill is estimated at $480 to $520, or $1,920 to $2,080 annually. Daily usage ranges from 30 to 32 kWh, driven by extensive use of appliances, lighting, and climate control systems. In Sydney, bills can reach $1,000 per quarter for large homes with high consumption, while in Western Australia, they may be lower at $450 to $500.
Average Electricity Bill for 10-Person Household Australia
For a 10-person household, the average quarterly bill is approximately $500 to $550, or $2,000 to $2,200 annually. Daily usage is around 32 to 35 kWh, reflecting the high demand for electricity in large households. In Brisbane, bills may average $600 per quarter, while in Melbourne, they are closer to $500. The per-person contribution is approximately $200 to $220 annually.
Comparison Table: Average Electricity Bills by Household Size
| Household Size | Average Quarterly Bill (AUD) | Average Annual Bill (AUD) | Average Daily Usage (kWh) | Per-Person Annual Cost (AUD) | Key Factors Influencing Costs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2-Person | $322 | $1,288 | 14–20 | $644 | Moderate appliance use, smaller homes |
| 3-Person | $384 | $1,536 | 18.71 | $512 | Increased device usage, larger homes |
| 4-Person | $420 | $1,680 | 21.355 | $420 | Higher heating/cooling needs |
| 5-Person | $453 | $1,812 | 25.43 | $362 | Multiple appliances, larger spaces |
| 6-Person | $450 | $1,800 | 25–27 | $300 | Economies of scale in larger homes |
| 7-Person | $460–$480 | $1,840–$1,920 | 26–28 | $263–$274 | High appliance and device usage |
| 8-Person | $470–$500 | $1,880–$2,000 | 28–30 | $235–$250 | Extensive use of shared appliances |
| 9-Person | $480–$520 | $1,920–$2,080 | 30–32 | $213–$231 | Large homes, high |