New research has revealed the extraordinary lengths Australians are going to as household bills continue to bite, with millions cutting back on heating, showers and everyday comforts just to make ends meet.

Turning off the lights and heading to bed early might sound like something from another era, but for an estimated 2.2 million Australians, sitting in the dark or going to bed early has become a way of keeping household electricity bills under control.

The finding comes from Finder’s 2026 Household Report, which reveals that 62 per cent of Australians, equivalent to approximately 13.5 million people, have taken at least one measure to cope with rising household bills over the past year.

The research, based on a survey of 1,004 Australian adults in September 2026, found that while many households are cancelling streaming subscriptions or shopping around for cheaper phone plans, others are making far more difficult sacrifices.

One in 10 Australians reported sitting in the dark or going to bed early to avoid using electricity, a practice Finder has dubbed “owl-ing”. Another 16 per cent have reduced the length or frequency of their showers, while one in three has cut back on heating or air conditioning to save money.

Households making increasingly difficult choices

The financial strain extends well beyond electricity bills, with 15 per cent of Australians admitting they have skipped or delayed paying a household bill. Another 11 per cent have borrowed money, used credit or turned to buy now, pay later services to cover essential expenses.

Even family activities and health insurance are being sacrificed, with six per cent cutting back on children’s sport, music or swimming lessons and five per cent downgrading or cancelling private health insurance.

Mariam Gabaji, utilities expert at Finder and author of the report, said the findings demonstrate just how much pressure household budgets are under.

“When people start rationing showers, turning the lights off earlier or avoiding the heater or air con, it’s a sign they’ve run out of easier ways to save,” she said.

“No one should have to choose between staying comfortable and paying their power bill, but that’s the reality for many households right now.”

Why older Australians could be missing out on savings

The broader Finder report also uncovered some interesting differences between generations, particularly when it comes to managing household finances.

Almost three-quarters of Baby Boomers, 72 per cent, reported managing and paying their household bills entirely on their own, compared with just 33 per cent of Generation Z.

Older Australians were also less inclined to change providers, with 41 per cent of Baby Boomers who have home internet saying nothing would convince them to switch, compared with 11 per cent of Generation Z.

While staying with a trusted provider can be convenient, it may also mean some older households are missing opportunities to reduce their regular expenses, particularly if they haven’t compared available plans for several years.

What to do before bills become unmanageable

Gabaji warned that delaying payments could create additional financial problems, particularly when outstanding amounts begin accumulating.

“Delaying a bill might buy you a bit of breathing room today, but you could be setting yourself up for a larger issue down the track,” she said.

“The real risk is that these short-term coping strategies quietly snowball into much bigger debt problems.”

She encouraged households struggling with payments to contact their providers rather than waiting until bills become overdue.

Most energy, water and telecommunications providers offer hardship assistance, which may include payment arrangements or other support depending on individual circumstances.

There are also opportunities to reduce household expenses without sacrificing essential comforts. Comparing electricity and gas plans, reviewing mobile and internet contracts, cancelling unused subscriptions and checking eligibility for government energy concessions could all make a difference.