The report presents findings from the first national Scenarios for Future Living (SFL) household survey, completed by more than 5,000 Australians in April–May 2025. It provides nationally representative insights into current and emerging household energy practices. The findings show how everyday practices, values and vulnerabilities shape household energy demand and participation in Australia’s energy transition. 

The report offers evidence on a range of current and future trends that are integral to enabling household participation in Australia’s energy transition. By understanding these trends, stakeholders can better forecast demand, design fair and desirable products and services, guide policy and regulation, and advocate for equitable consumer outcomes, particularly for vulnerable households.

The report is accompanied by four section summaries that present findings from the main report on specific topics.

Key findings

• A persistent access gap suggests solar uptake is shaped less by willingness and more by feasibility, affordability and control over housing.
• Targeted interventions are needed to ensure that battery storage and its associated flexibility and resilience benefits are accessible to specific household types.
• While interest in electric vehicles is growing, widespread use remains constrained by affordability and infrastructure access.
• Aligning demand-side management (DSM) programs with household priorities and values of affordability, comfort, health and safety provides opportunities for increasing participation and desired outcomes.
• While households were generally open to automation, a clear majority valued the ability to retain control.
• Energy hardship was heavily shaped by the interaction of income and housing tenure, affecting middle-income households just as much as low-income renters.
• Climate change-induced risk is recognised by a significant proportion of Australian households and is increasing their hardship.