Consumer impacts of market conditions survey: February to March 2026

Main points

• Wider affordability pressures remain widespread with almost half of consumers (44%) reporting keeping up with household bills but struggling to do so, and energy bills remain the bill type most often reported in arrears.
• Despite a more stable energy market, at the time of fieldwork, 40% are keeping up but struggling with their energy bills while 4% per cent report being behind on their energy payments.
• Trust in the energy sector is at its highest level since tracking began in 2022, although measures vary from 65% trusting suppliers to treat customers fairly to 45% trusting them to be fair in their dealings.
• Market engagement remains mixed with just over half (52%) having switched supplier or tariff, around one in four (24%) have not switched in five years.
• The main reported barrier to looking for new deals, among those who reported multiple barriers, is not finding a cheaper option (15%), followed by not having the time to search and finding the switching process too time-consuming (14%).

Methodology

Ofgem commissioned BMG to conduct the research. Fieldwork took place between February and March 2026 using online and face-to-face interviews, so digitally excluded consumers could be represented.

A total of 4,460 adults took part, providing a representative sample across Great Britain. Quotas supported representativeness. The research also used an expanded sample and methodological changes to support linking survey responses with consented smart meter consumption data.

Note: the files attached below are not fully accessible. If you require an alternative format please contact consumer.first@ofgem.gov.uk.