ING delivers $8.8 million in utility bill relief, as over 18 million Australians face financial stress

• Over the past 12 months, over eight in ten (84%), or over 18 million Aussies say they have felt stressed about paying their household bills and living expenses – including three in ten (30%) who reported feeling extremely stressed
• Over half (57%) of Australians are cutting back on spending and dining out, travel and social activities (48%), and more to deal with their increasing household bills and living expenses
• Gen X is feeling bill stress more than other generations over the last 12 months (42% of Gen X, compared to Gen Z: 27%, Millennials: 30% and Baby Boomers: 23%)

New research commissioned by Australia’s most recommended bank*, ING, has revealed that a staggering 84% of Australians have experienced ‘bill stress’ over the last 12 months**, with close to a third (30%) reporting this stress to be extreme. The findings come as ING revealed it has paid its Orange Everyday customers $8.8 million in cashback on utility bills*** this past year, helping them to manage their ongoing expenses.

Utility costs have increased significantly over the last 12 months, with electricity bills rising by 32% in the 12 months to January 2026 alone, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

“We introduced utlity cashback back in 2021 in attempt to help household budgets stretch a little further. Our customers appreciate any support that’s on offer, so we’re proud to have been able to deliver $8.8 million in utility bill relief this past year,” says Matt Bowen, ING’s Head of Consumer and Market Insights.

Household Expense Limits

The data also reveals the point at which the average Aussie begins to feel financially stressed about their monthly household bill (including rent, electricity, insurance, water etc) is when the total exceeds $2,021.

The threshold for feeling financially stressed varies per generation, with it being lower for Gen Z, who on average, begin to feel stressed once their monthly total comes to $1,613 (Compared to Millennials: $2,426, Gen X: $2,068 and Baby Boomers: $1,845).

Cost Cutting Measures

The increasing pressure is taking a toll on the population, forcing adjustments to other areas of their budget in order to manage. The research shows over half of Aussies aged 18+ (57%) have reduced spending on dining out or entertainment, almost one in two (48%) have reduced travel or social activities, and many have delayed or avoided major purchases, or cut back on groceries or switched to cheaper brands (46%, respectively).

Other changes include around the house itself, with 39% of Australians cutting down on their electricity, water and air conditioning usage to avoid high bills, while one in five (19%) have been forced to take on extra work to earn enough money to make ends meet.

Matt Bowen, ING’s Head of Consumer & Market Insights, says:

“Today’s economic climate continues to place increased pressure on how Australians manage their budgets, and the increasing cost of household expenses and utility bills are certainly playing their part in this. While it’s clear that Aussies have been doing what they can to cut down on spending elsewhere to accommodate, there are other strategies that they can put into place as well.

“ING understands the balancing act that many Australians have to play because of this, and this past year we’ve delivered close to $9 million in utility cashback to our Orange Everyday customers, in an aim to help Australians pay their bills without having to make such dramatic sacrifices elsewhere.”

Matt’s practical tips for reducing household bills stress:

1. Leverage Cashback & Rewards Programs: Every dollar counts, so be sure to check for any cashback programs you might have access to, such as ING’s Pocket Perks****. A few minutes checking what programs or schemes are available to you through your bank, could help you save.
2. Switch and Save: Look across the board for any unnecessary expenses on your account and review the providers that you’re with as well. Regularly checking who offers the best rates may seem like a hassle, but it can ultimately save you hundreds in the long run. Better still, in some Aussie states your energy provider may be obliged to disclose on your bill if there’s a more suitable plan for you. So take the time to read it.
3. Small Household Changes: Consider what’s sucking power around the house and whether it’s needs to be plugged in. Perhaps try conducting an “electricity audit” to ensure you’re turning off appliances, lights, and even your modem when they’re not needed to save on usage and your next electricity bill.

If you or someone you know is struggling to keep up with bills, reach out to your financial providers early to access support. There are also a range of different resources available such as the National Debt Helpline, Financial Counselling Australia and Moneysmart.