Launch of new energy research

The purpose of the research was to gather evidence of public opinion and sentiment in order to provide the Consumer Council, policy makers, and industry stakeholders with insights into the level of consumer support, education and protection required to meet the net zero goals.

The annual research will potentially run until 2050, allowing the Consumer Council to analyse changing data specifically from consumers in Northern Ireland.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council said: 

“This report provides a picture of consumer experiences of one of the most important issues in our lifetime. The energy transition will mean significant changes to how people live, eat, travel, and heat their homes.  

“Regularly consulting with consumers on their attitudes to the energy transition is key. The report, surveying consumers in 2023, shows that the ongoing effects of the cost-of-living crisis and costs of new energy saving technologies are still significant barriers.”

Key findings: 

• Consumers with some understanding of terms relating to decarbonisation increased:  e.g.: greenhouse gas emissions (up to 89% from 84%); net zero (up to 74% from 70%); decarbonisation (up to 71% from 62%).
• Consumers concerned about how much energy is used in their home decreased: (down to 49% from 62%).
• Consumers who support government grants to make electric vehicles more affordable decreased to 69% from 78%, and consumers who opposed higher taxes on cars that use petrol or diesel increased to 56% from 51%.
• Consumers who would support the building of new infrastructure in their local area to aid the increased use of renewable energy decreased: (down to 50% from 58%).
• Scientists and family and friends were the sources most likely to be trusted regarding information about climate change; political leaders were least likely to be trusted.

“It is essential that we achieve a just and fair transition by ensuring affordability, security of energy supply and protection for all consumers, particularly our vulnerable consumers,” said Raymond.

“Given the impact of heat and transport emissions to Northern Ireland’s total carbon emissions, domestic consumers will play an essential role in helping us achieve our net zero targets. Empowering individuals, and mobilising communities, to actively embrace Northern Ireland’s energy transition is critical.”

The Consumer Council are also launching a second report today.

Protecting consumers during the energy transition to net zero: Installer and stakeholder feedback 2024  was conducted earlier this year as part of the Northern Ireland Energy Strategy Action Plan. It is supplementary to The Utility Regulator and Consumer Council Call for Evidence on Protecting Consumers during the Energy Transition to Net Zero undertaken in 2022. 

The Consumer Council previously undertook a Consumer Forum which captured consumer attitudes on the need for the protection during our decarbonisation journey.

This report further augments the Call for Evidence by exploring insights from organisations who install low carbon technologies in homes and businesses and other organisations who provide frontline advice to consumers.

Evidence from the survey showed a need for widespread information and education on low carbon technology. Stakeholders and installers told the Consumer Council that low levels of knowledge exist among consumers and installers regarding many low carbon technology products and their installation. Knowledge is a form of protection and is important to consumers.