Opening your latest gas bill to find you owe more than expected can be frustrating. If you’re trying to understand what’s behind the spike, several factors could be at play – from increased usage to inefficient appliances. Let’s break down the most common reasons your gas costs might be climbing.
What are some of the possible reasons my gas bill is so high?
There are several factors that could explain why your gas bill has increased recently. Here are some of the key causes:
Increased gas consumption
It might sound simple, but one of the most common reasons for a higher gas bill is an increase in usage – often without realising it. Depending on how your home is set up, gas is typically used for hot water, cooking and heating, so any changes in these areas can quickly add up.
Typical causes of increased gas consumption include:
- Colder weather: if temperatures have dropped, you may be using your gas heating more often or for longer periods.
- Longer showers: cooler days often lead to longer hot showers, increasing hot water use.
- More people in the house: hosting guests means more hot water, more cooking and higher overall usage.
- Changes in routine: lifestyle changes such as working from home or a new baby can all affect how much gas you use day to day.
Rising gas prices
Even if your gas usage hasn't changed, your bill might still be higher due to increased gas prices. Several factors contribute to this:
- Global market dynamics: Australia exports a significant portion of its gas. When surplus domestic gas is sold on international markets, local consumers often have to compete with global prices, leading to higher domestic costs.
- Geopolitical events: conflicts like the war in Ukraine have disrupted global gas supplies in recent years, increasing demand for Australian exports and reducing domestic availability.
- Regulatory changes: the Australian Energy Regulator (AER) annually reviews and approves gas network tariffs. These tariffs can increase due to factors like inflation, infrastructure maintenance and network upgrades.
Faulty or inefficient appliances
Old, faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances can drive up your gas bill without you realising. When components wear out or technology becomes outdated, appliances often struggle to run efficiently, meaning they use more gas to do the same job.
Some common issues include:
- Inefficient water heaters that take longer to heat up.
- Gas heaters that don’t distribute heat properly.
- Cooktops or ovens with faulty ignition or burners.
It’s also important to rule out gas leaks, which can be dangerous and costly. Even a small leak can cause your gas usage to spike. If you smell gas, hear a hissing sound near a gas connection or notice an unexpected jump in your bill, contact your gas provider or a licensed technician immediately. Most retailers offer emergency support for suspected leaks.
Meter reading issues
Occasionally there can be issues or errors with gas meter readings, which can result in unusually high gas bills. If your gas provider couldn’t access your meter, they might issue an estimated bill instead of an actual reading. These estimates are based on your past usage and can occasionally overshoot, especially if your consumption habits have changed.
If your bill seems unusually high, check whether it’s based on an actual meter reading or an estimate. This isn’t always obvious on your bill but you will usually find this in the billing summary. If it’s an estimate, you can submit your own meter reading or request a reassessment from your provider. It’s also worth ensuring your meter is accessible to avoid future estimated readings.
Billing issues or errors
Sometimes, a higher gas bill is the result of a simple billing error. These can occur due to incorrect data entry, technical issues or miscommunication between your gas retailer and the meter reader. In some cases, your bill might not reflect your actual usage at all.
If your bill seems unusually high or doesn’t match your typical consumption patterns, it’s worth contacting your gas provider. They can review your account, double-check the meter readings and correct any inaccuracies. In many cases, adjustments can be made promptly once the issue is identified.
Top tips to save money on your gas bill
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Cut down on your hot water use
Hot water is often the biggest household gas expense. Turning down the thermostat on your instant gas hot water system and taking shorter showers can help to reduce the cost. Similarly, when washing dishes by hand, fill the sink instead of running the tap – or, if you have one, fill and run your dishwasher as this is generally more energy efficient than hand washing.
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Turn down the thermostat
If your heating runs on gas, one of the simplest ways to reduce your bill is to turn down your heating by just a degree or two. You might not notice much difference in comfort, but your wallet certainly will as each extra degree can increase your heating costs by up to 10%.
For a balance between comfort and savings, aim to keep your thermostat between 18°C and 21°C during colder months.
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Only heat the spaces you use
If you have a gas heating system, it’s important to use it strategically. Don’t waste energy heating rooms that aren’t in use – close doors, block off unused areas and shut any ceiling or floor vents in those spaces. Focus on keeping commonly used areas, like the living room or kitchen, warm and comfortable.
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Cook more efficiently
If you use gas for cooking, small changes in the kitchen can help reduce your usage. Use pots and pans that match the size of your burners and always cook with lids on to retain heat and shorten cooking times. Avoid long oven preheats unless necessary, and try to batch cook meals so you make the most of the heat while it’s on. For quick tasks like reheating leftovers, consider using a microwave or slow cooker as they often use far less energy than a gas oven.
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Regularly service your gas appliances
Well-maintained appliances operate more efficiently, reducing gas consumption and saving you money. Clean or replace filters, check for leaks and always ensure proper ventilation for your gas appliances. Regular servicing by a licensed gas fitter can help keep your appliances in safe, efficient working order.
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Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
If your gas appliances are older or poorly maintained, upgrading to newer, more efficient models could help cut your usage and reduce your bills. Gas powered heating and water heating systems in Australia will display a Gas Energy Rating Label that shows how energy efficient they are. Gas cookers don’t carry an energy rating label, but modern designs are generally more efficient and use less gas to achieve the same performance. Depending on where you live in Australia, you may also be able to take advantage of rebates for appliance upgrades.
You could also consider switching from gas to electric, especially in the kitchen. Gas cooktops are only around 40% efficient, compared to 74% for electric coils and up to 84% for induction cooktops. While the upfront cost may be higher, the long-term energy savings can make it worthwhile.
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Compare gas plans and retailers
Gas prices can vary significantly between providers, so it pays to shop around. Comparing your gas plan at least every 12 months can uncover cheaper tariffs, discounts or sign-up offers that could reduce your bills. Using a free comparison service like Savvy makes it easy to find a plan that suits your needs and budget, potentially saving you a substantial amount on your gas costs.
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Monitor your gas usage
Understanding your gas bill is an important step in managing your energy use. To see whether your usage has jumped, check the consumption details on your gas bill. Most bills include comparisons with the same period last year or your average usage. This can help you spot any unexpected increases or errors early on.
