Energy policy research

We represent energy consumers by promoting and protecting the interests of domestic and small non-domestic consumers across England and Wales.

As the statutory consumer body for energy consumers in England and Wales, we commission research, build evidence-based policy positions to embed the needs of energy consumers into decision-making, with specific regard for the needs of vulnerable consumers.

Domestic energy supplier performance data

11 December 2018

Data from our energy supplier rating and complaints handling league table

A Price Control for Everyone

11 December 2018

A collection of individually authored essays on how RIIO-2 can deliver improved support for people in vulnerable circumstances

Energy supplier rating - decision document on a rating for smaller supplier performance

27 October 2018

Citizens Advice energy supplier rating is being expanded to include suppliers with over 25,000 meter points

Good Practice Guide - Recovering energy debt from the smallest businesses

26 October 2018

This good practice guide is based on our experience of supporting micro businesses in debt to their energy supplier. Through our advice and case handling roles, we have been able to identify positive policies and practices from some energy suppliers. We hope that these recommendations will help suppliers treat their small business customers fairly and negotiate sustainable debt repayment arrangements.

Micro and Small Business Engagement in the Energy Market

26 October 2018

This research, jointly funded by Ofgem and Citizens Advice, highlights ongoing challenges for Micro and Small business consumers in the energy market.

Consumer Expectations of Regulation: Heat Networks

08 October 2018

Citizens Advice commissioned Future Thinking to research consumer experiences of heat networks. Focus groups were held at 4 heat network sites around the UK.

False Economy

21 September 2018

The experiences of legacy time of use tariff customers should inform how industry shapes the time of use tariffs of tomorrow.

Current consumer attitudes to smart home technology

13 September 2018

As technology evolves, we want to know how consumers feel about smart homes, data sharing and what consumer protections they expect.

Community Energy: maximising the contribution in a changing energy market

07 August 2018

This report explore consumer experiences of the community energy, as part of our Future Energy Consumers workstream.

Energy supplier rating – consultation on a rating for smaller supplier performance

31 July 2018

We want to increase the coverage of the rating as soon as possible to meet the needs of consumers in a market where the number of suppliers is growing rapidly.

Early consumer experiences of smart meters 2018

17 July 2018

We commissioned research into the day to day experiences consumers have with their smart meter or with the rollout so far.

The Smart Meter Data Dashboard

11 July 2018

This report is a proof of concept for a data dashboard, allowing consumers to view how they share their energy usage data and giving them an opportunity to amend those choices.

Beyond ECO: the Future of Fuel Poverty Support

06 July 2018

Citizens Advice commissioned IPPR to look at the future of energy efficiency support to tackle fuel poverty. This shows a future scheme needs to better focused and designed if we are to deliver England’s Fuel Poverty targets.

Things can only get beta: An opportunity to get financing costs right for consumers

11 June 2018

New research finds that consumers could save up to £4.1bn on their energy bills, if Ofgem makes the right decision about financing energy networks.

The energy market and people with mental health problems

24 May 2018

An exploration of the issues people with mental health problems face managing their energy supply and communicating with energy providers.

Strengthening the voice of consumers in energy networks’ business planning

14 May 2018

We conducted research into how the consumer voice can be best heard in the upcoming energy network price control.

The postcode lottery in energy profits - a regional update of Energy Consumers’ Missing Billions

27 April 2018

Last year we found that energy networks - the monopoly companies that run the pipes and wires that take energy to our homes - are making excessive profits of £7.5bn. This analysis shows the regional disparities in the unjustified profits being made by electricity distribution firms and the costs being borne by consumers.