Investigating energy and water under-use by households in order to afford utility bill payments which may have adverse effects on health and quality of life.

  • Project dates: 2016–2017
  • Grants and Funding: Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS)

The Beyond Behaviour Change research program is preparing a series of case studies about detrimental under-use of utilities by households for the Victorian Council of Social Service (VCOSS). The project explores the ‘trade-off’ strategies used by households in order to afford energy and water bill payments and any adverse effects on health and quality of life, collectively termed ‘hidden energy and water poverty’. The research aims to highlight detriments which receive little attention from policy-makers and industry.

Key People

Lead researchers

Dr Larissa Nicholls

Dr Larissa Nicholls

Research Fellow

Dr Yolande Strengers

Dr Yolande Strengers

Co-Convener of Beyond Behaviour Change Program

Related Content

News & Blog

News

New study exposes the sacrifices families make to pay energy bills

11 August 2017

A new report by the Victorian Council of Social Service and the RMIT Centre for Urban Research shows the struggles and sacrifices Australians on low-incomes are making to stay connected to power.