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SwitchedOn podcast: Heat or eat? The alarming rise of energy hardship

August 13, 2025 by Anne Delaney Leave a Comment

Energy hardship in Australia is more widespread — and more complex — than many people realise. The latest national survey from Energy Consumers Australia shows that one in five households are either experiencing, or at risk of energy hardship, with many cutting back on heating and cooling even when they aren’t in financial stress.

Ashley Bradshaw, executive manager of analysis and advocacy at ECA, discusses what’s driving this growing problem, why it affects far more than just low-income households, and what needs to change to ensure everyone can access the energy they need to live well.

SwitchedOn Australia · Heat or eat? The alarming rise of energy hardship in Australia

Anne Delaney
Anne Delaney

Anne Delaney is the host of the SwitchedOn podcast and our Electrification Editor, She has had a successful career in journalism (the ABC and SBS), as a documentary film maker, and as an artist and sculptor.

Filed Under: Podcasts, Electrification, Energy Efficiency

About Anne Delaney

Anne Delaney is the host of the SwitchedOn podcast and our Electrification Editor, She has had a successful career in journalism (the ABC and SBS), as a documentary film maker, and as an artist and sculptor.

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