1. Claim the 17.5% “Winter Gas Concession”

If you hold a Health Care Card (which many international and domestic students do), you are likely eligible for a major discount that is applied automatically.

• The Deal: From May 1 to October 31, 2026, eligible students receive a 17.5% discount on their mains gas usage and service costs.
• The Action: Check your latest bill. If you don’t see “Concession” listed, call your gas provider today with your Health Care Card details. It can save the average student household over $100 across the winter months.
• 2026 Bonus: Ask about the $100 Power Saving Bonus for concession holders, which is currently available to help offset rising energy costs this year.

2. Master the “18°C Thermostat Rule”

In 2026, energy experts at Sustainability Victoria have confirmed that every degree you set your heater above 20°C can add 10% to your gas bill.

• The Strategy: Set your gas heater to 18°C or 19°C. It sounds cool, but wearing a hoodie and thick socks indoors is significantly cheaper than running the heater at 23°C.
• Zoning: Only heat the room you are currently using. Close the doors to bedrooms, bathrooms, and laundries to keep the warmth concentrated where you are studying.
• The “Pre-Bed” Cutoff: Turn your heating off 20 minutes before you go to bed. The residual heat will keep the room warm while you drift off, saving nearly an hour of gas usage every night.

3. Use Free “Draught-Proofing” Hacks

Up to 40% of your home’s heat escapes through tiny gaps around windows and doors. Since most students are renters, you need non-permanent solutions.

• The “Door Snake”: Use a rolled-up towel or a “door snake” at the base of your front and bedroom doors.
• Curtain Management: Open your curtains during the day to let the free 2026 autumn sun warm your room. Close them strictly at 5:00 PM (before it gets dark) to trap that heat inside.
• The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) Program: In 2026, renters can access free or heavily discounted draught-proofing services (like chimney balloons or door seals) through the VEU program with the landlord’s permission.

Bonus: The “4-Minute Shower” Challenge

Heating water is usually the second-largest gas expense.

• The Impact: Reducing your shower time from 8 minutes to 4 minutes can save a four-person student house over $200 a year in gas costs.
• 2026 Tool: Use a waterproof timer or a “4-minute shower” playlist on Spotify to keep your timing in check.