Is Working From Home Pushing Your Energy Bills Up?
Published February 5, 2026
WFH energy bills Australia are increasing as more households work from home.
Work from Home has become a regular occurrence for millions of Australians. What was initially a temporary adjustment has become a long-term reality, with telecommuting now being a permanent fixture in many sectors. While the convenience of not having to commute to work saves time and money, there is another aspect of telecommuting that is often overlooked. The more time you spend at home, the more your energy consumption patterns change. Appliances are used for longer periods of time, heating and cooling systems are in operation for the entire day and devices that were previously idle are now in use for extended periods of time.
Why WFH Energy Bills Are Rising in Australia
Most homes are designed based on the concept that people leave for work during the day. Working from home turns this completely on its head. Lights that were previously used only early in the morning and in the evening are now left on for the entire day. Even energy-efficient lighting consumes energy when it is used for extended periods of time.
Working from home also involves extensive use of technology. Computers,printers, and internet connectivity are all in use for eight or more hours a day. Even if a laptop consumes minimal amounts of energy, when combined with computer monitors, chargers, modems, and speakers, the consumption goes up. If there are multiple people in a household working from home, the consumption goes up even more.
Heating and cooling become all-day expenses
Heating & air conditioning are usually the biggest sources of increased energy consumption when working from home. Offices usually bear the cost of heating & air conditioning, but when people work from home, these costs directly impact their homes.
During winters, heating is usually left on throughout the day to make a home office comfortable. During summers, air conditioning is usually left on from morning till the hottest part of the afternoon. Even if you are cooling or heating only one room, the appliance still uses a lot of electricity.
Homes that are not energy-efficient or have old appliances feel the pinch of increased energy consumption the most. A reasonable energy bill can quickly escalate when heating or cooling becomes an all-day necessity.
The hidden cost of hot water and kitchen use
Telecommuting or Work From Home also affects daily habits related to food and water usage. The increased number of cups of tea or coffee translates to the kettle being turned on and off throughout the day. Lunch is also prepared at home instead of being purchased from elsewhere, which translates to increased use of ovens, microwaves, and cooking rings.
Hot water systems also work harder. Increased hand washing and occasional use of hot water for showers during the day all translate to increased usage.
The value of comparing energy plans when working from home
Comparing energy plans is a very valuable activity, especially when working from home. Various energy plans are tailored for different usage patterns, and working from home alters the usage patterns of electricity. There are energy plans that are suitable for households that consume more electricity during daylight hours, and there are others that are suitable for households that consume electricity in the evening. By comparing energy plans, you can select one that suits your new lifestyle instead of overpaying for electricity that you now consume during daylight hours.
Comparing energy plans can also help you save money on lower supply prices or better rates for higher usage. For households that have experienced an increase in energy consumption due to working from home, these savings can amount to hundreds of dollars per year.
Perhaps more importantly, comparing energy plans gives you confidence. Rather than wondering if your energy bill is a fair one, you will know that your energy plan is suitable for your lifestyle. This is particularly important when energy prices are already under stress.
Getting assistance with managing energy bills at home
It is not an easy task to juggle working from home, family, and increasing energy bills. On top of all that, comprehending energy pricing may be too much to handle. Utility Market assists Australians in finding energy plans that cater to the needs of working from home. Our experts will break down energy plan options in simple terms and assist in analyzing possible savings according to your usage of energy.
If working from home has increased your energy bills, it is the perfect time to reassess your energy plan. A brief discussion may assist in getting those bills back in line. Contact Utility Market to discover how much you can save by comparing energy plans that cater to your working from home lifestyle. Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest energy savings advice.
