Average electricity bill for a family of four by city
| City | kWh a year | kWh a day | A quarter | A year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MelbourneVictoria | 5,805 | 15.9 | $525 | $2,099 |
| BrisbaneQueensland | 7,682 | 21.0 | $712 | $2,850 |
| SydneyNSW | 7,311 | 20.0 | $757 | $3,029 |
| HobartTasmania | 10,820 | 29.6 | $836 | $3,342 |
| AdelaideSA | 7,034 | 19.3 | $901 | $3,605 |
| CanberraACT | 9,542 | 26.1 | $1,004 | $4,016 |
The expensive quarter
| City | Summer | Autumn | Winter | Spring |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sydney | 1,819 | 1,717 | 2,148 | 1,627 |
| Melbourne | 1,324 | 1,338 | 1,821 | 1,322 |
| Brisbane | 2,074 | 1,935 | 1,873 | 1,800 |
| Adelaide | 1,740 | 1,652 | 2,090 | 1,552 |
| Canberra | 1,745 | 2,303 | 3,313 | 2,181 |
| Hobart | 1,946 | 2,571 | 3,642 | 2,661 |
A four-person home in Hobart uses about 3,642 kWh over winter in the AER's figures, and one in Canberra about 3,313 kWh, far more than in any other season. Families in Brisbane see their biggest bill after summer.
Where a family's electricity goes
- Heating and cooling: 20% to 50% of household energy depending on climate, according to energy.gov.au.
- Hot water: 15% to 30%. Heating 200 litres a day with an electric element takes about 3,820 kWh a year before tank losses, roughly $1,266 on the Ausgrid reference rate.
- Laundry: a vented dryer uses about 3.3 kWh a load, so daily drying adds up quickly.
- Fridges: fridges and freezers are around 10% of household energy bills.
- Devices: TVs, consoles and computers, plus their standby power.
Check for controlled load
Families with electric storage hot water usually save by having it on a controlled load tariff, if the tank is big enough to last the day.
Saving on a family electricity bill
Tackle hot water first
Shorter showers, efficient shower heads, cold washes and controlled load or a heat pump.
Heat and cool zones, not the whole house
Close off unused rooms and set the thermostat sensibly.
Rethink drying
Line drying and a heat pump dryer cut one of the biggest family costs. See the cheapest way to dry clothes.
Compare plans with a full year of usage
Families usually suit a plan with a low usage rate even if the supply charge is a little higher.
Questions about family electricity bills
Based on the AER benchmarks priced on 2026-27 regulated rates, between about $2,099 and $4,016 a year depending on the city. Market offers can be cheaper.
Between about 16 and 26 kWh a day across the year, according to the AER benchmarks for the capitals.
Heating and cooling, then hot water. Laundry, especially a vented dryer, and fridges follow. Pools and EVs add a lot where present.
On regulated prices the AER benchmark usage comes to about $525 to $1,004 a quarter on average, higher in the peak season. Compare your kWh a day rather than dollars.
Sources
Every rate on this page comes from the regulator or the regulated retailer. Last checked October 2026. Prices include GST unless we say otherwise.