Now in its fifth year, the Power to Switch Home Energy Survey has become an important annual snapshot of how households across Northern Ireland are managing their energy costs.
Every year, we ask people about the reality of paying bills, heating their homes and choosing an energy supplier. This year, 1782 households took part, helping us build one of the clearest pictures yet of how rising energy costs continue to affect everyday life.
The full report explores the findings in detail, but here are some of the key themes that stood out for 2025/26
Higher energy bills are still changing everyday life
Energy prices may have dominated the headlines over recent years, but our latest survey shows the impact is still being felt in homes across Northern Ireland.
Nearly 3/4 (72%) of respondents said their household energy bills had increased over the last 12 months. Among those reporting an increase, the average rise was £372.
For many households, higher energy costs are no longer a short-term challenge. They’ve become another part of everyday budgeting, with people continuing to look for ways to make their money go further.
As one respondent put it:
“I wear extra layers to avoid putting the heating on earlier in the day.”
Households are adapting how they use energy
People aren’t just paying more for energy. Many are changing how they use it.
More than 4 in 5 respondents (81%) said they have become more careful about their energy use, while 56% said they had turned off their heating even when their home still felt cold to help reduce costs.
The survey also revealed the practical changes households are making every day, from heating fewer rooms and switching off appliances to adjusting cooking and laundry routines.
One respondent summed it up simply:
“I only heat the rooms that are being used.”
Many households are still feeling the pressure
Managing energy costs remains a challenge for many people.
Almost half (49%) of respondents said paying their energy bills or topping up their meter had become more difficult over the last year.
Some households continue to face particular pressures. Among keypad customers, 61% said they had run out of credit and couldn’t afford to top up immediately. Meanwhile, 1 in 5 households using home heating oil said they had delayed topping up despite concerns about running out.
For some, the impact is stark:
“I’m cold in my own home. I wear extra clothing and a hat.”
People are thinking about what comes next
The survey also looked beyond today’s bills.
When asked how they would cope if energy prices increased again: and indeed, since closing our survey all 5 electricity suppliers have increased prices, making the responses gathered even more hard hitting.
Many respondents spoke about cutting back further, keeping their homes warm and balancing energy costs alongside other essential household spending.
The findings show that concerns about energy costs extend beyond monthly bills, influencing confidence and financial planning for the months ahead.
One respondent told us:
“If costs rise again, I’d have to choose between quality of food and heating.”
Confidence still matters when switching supplier
Finding a better deal isn’t always straightforward.
While many respondents had switched supplier before, confidence remains a barrier for some. Just 21% said they felt very confident they were currently on the best deal available, while 38% said they weren’t confident they were getting the best deal for their household.
The findings reinforce why clear, straightforward comparisons remain so important for helping people make informed decisions about their energy.
As one respondent said:
“I was nervous to switch as I didn’t understand the different rates etc.”
Download the full report
These are just some of the insights from the 2026 Power to Switch Home Energy Survey.
The full report explores the findings in much greater detail, including:
- How households across Northern Ireland are adapting to rising energy costs
- The challenges facing keypad and home heating oil customers
- What people value most when choosing an energy supplier
- Real comments from households describing their experiences
- The complete survey findings and analysis
Whether you’re interested in understanding the latest consumer trends or simply want a deeper insight into how households across Northern Ireland are managing their energy costs, the full report provides a comprehensive picture.
Download the full 2026 Power to Switch Home Energy Survey report today.
