According to an iSelect study, more than 900,000 households across the state plan to cut back in order to afford the upcoming bill while 46 per cent believe the cost of energy will affect how long they use their air conditioners.

Scone Neighbourhood Centre manager Lee Watts said there was some “concern” within the local community, particularly from elderly residents.

“In winter, they can always get a blanket and some of them have wood fires,” she said.

“But, in summer, there’s no release from the heat.

“The concern is what they miss out on when they are only getting essential items anyway.

“It [the bill] will be a big burden on them.

“One lady who came to me mentioned that she didn’t even have an air conditioner, but she will still be concerned because of the use of her fan.

“I don’t think they understand how vulnerable they are, so it’s a good idea to keep an eye on them and, if they are affected, just remember you can come to the centre to find out how to get assistance.”

The recent study showed that entertainment and dining out are top of the chopping block for NSW households, with 41 per cent planning to tighten their spending in those areas.

Spokesperson for iSelect Laura Crowden said, with Scone residents experiencing another hot summer, it is likely many local homes will feel the heat when it comes to their energy bills at the end of summer.

“Most residents are prepared for large winter bills but, during the warmer months, keeping air-conditioners running around the clock and the extra energy consumed by kids at home during the school holidays using TV’s and computers can result in summer energy bill shock,” she said.

“But if you simply use the air-conditioner a bit less, you may be disappointed to discover that your energy bill hasn't decreased as much as you had hoped when you receive it in the mail.

“This is because, for most NSW households, a large portion of your energy bill is actually made up of network charges and other variables not associated with usage.” 

The survey also found that over half of NSW homes will be using fans this summer to keep their bills down, but just nine per cent are planning to review their energy provider this summer in search of a better deal.

“While reducing your energy use and addressing your household budget is important, the easiest way for Scone residents to save money is to make sure you are on the most cost-effective plan to begin with,” Ms Crowden added.

“This is because tariff rates and pay-on-time discounts can differ significantly from provider to provider and even from plan to plan with the same provider.”