Power bills have officially knocked groceries off the top spot as Australia's biggest cost-of-living headache.

Research from comparison site iSelect shows 86 per cent of Australians worry about energy bills, with 57 per cent naming electricity as their top expense – outpacing groceries (52 per cent) and transport (44 per cent).

Comparison expert Sophie Ryan says electricity remains at the forefront of people's minds as they juggle ongoing financial pressure.

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She notes many families now make deliberate choices about daily power use, with small adjustments making a difference over time.

"We're seeing a return to some very practical, low-cost solutions. Many people are layering clothing, using blankets or being more selective about when they turn the heater on, rather than relying on heating throughout the day," she tells nine.com.au.

The small yet widespread changes point to a growing effort to claw back control over one of the few costs people feel they can influence.

Ryan also says that comparing plans is one of the simplest ways to reduce costs, but it's often delayed or overlooked.

"Latest numbers from the ACCC show 73 per cent of people with the potential to switch continue to pay more than they need to for electricity.

"If you're in that majority, it might be time to compare plans. On average, households that had been with the same provider for three or more years paid $221 more than people on new retailer offers," she explains.

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For those willing to take a closer look, there are practical ways to ease the pressure without overhauling daily routines, according to iSelect.

Default market offers aren't always the most competitive, meaning households who take the time to compare plans may find better value elsewhere.

It's also worth keeping an eye on your plan over time. Retailers are required to flag changes to rates or expiring discounts, and those moments can serve as a useful prompt to reassess whether you're still getting a good deal.

Payment structure can make a difference too, with some providers allowing bills to be broken into smaller, more manageable instalments across the year – helping smooth out seasonal spikes and reduce the shock of a large quarterly bill.

Savings may also come from how you pay – such as on-time payments, online account management, or direct debit – though these offers may expire after a year or two.   

The most important tip, however? Shop around.

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