Energy bill concerns fall among Northern Ireland businesses, new survey reveals
- Love Ballymena
- Jul 28, 2025
- 3 min read
Inset: Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator
A new survey from the Utility Regulator shows falling levels of concern over energy costs, improved satisfaction with suppliers, and rising demand for energy advice among Northern Ireland’s non-domestic consumers.
The Utility Regulator has released the results of its third Non-domestic Consumer Insight Tracker Survey, providing a detailed snapshot of business attitudes and behaviours in the region’s gas and electricity markets.
Conducted between November 2024 and March 2025, the survey gathered insights from 500 non-domestic electricity and gas consumers. Previous surveys were conducted in 2020 and 2023, and the initiative will now be run annually.
Key findings: Drop in concern, rise in satisfaction
The headline result from the 2025 survey is that concern about energy bills has significantly decreased. Only 30% of respondents expressed concern over their energy costs — a notable fall from 53% in 2023.
Further findings show:
81% of electricity consumers and 80% of gas consumers reported they never struggle to pay their bills — up from 69% and 73% respectively in 2023.
71% of respondents said they had made no operational changes due to energy costs, compared to 58% previously.
Satisfaction has climbed, with 62% of electricity and 65% of gas users now reporting they are satisfied or very satisfied with their supplier — up dramatically from 33% and 38% last year.
Trust in suppliers has improved, rising to 47% (electricity) and 39% (gas) who now rank trust as high — up from 25% for both in 2023.
Switching still low despite greater awareness
Although awareness of the ability to switch energy suppliers has grown to 74% (up from 65%), most non-domestic consumers have not changed supplier in recent years.
62% have not switched electricity supplier in the past five years.
77% have not switched gas supplier.
Demand for energy advice grows
An area seeing significant growth is the demand for guidance and information:
48% of businesses now want advice on energy efficiency, budgeting, or renewable energy — up sharply from just 18% in 2023.
Spotlight on hospitality sector challenges
While most sectors show improvement, the hospitality sector remains the most vulnerable:
32% of hospitality businesses say they are likely to struggle with electricity bills.
34% report ongoing concern about energy costs.
59% have made operational changes due to energy bills — the highest of any sector.
Regulator encourages engagement and support
Colin Magee, Non-domestic Consumer Protection Manager at the Utility Regulator, emphasised both progress and ongoing concern:
“Whilst there are a lot of positives from this survey, we are very aware that a significant number of non-domestic consumers remain concerned with their energy bills and struggle to pay.”
He urged those facing difficulties to speak directly to their energy suppliers, stating:
“If you are struggling with your energy costs, we encourage you to contact your supplier, to make them aware of your circumstances, and discuss the options available.”
Mr Magee highlighted the Regulator’s increasing focus on non-domestic consumer protection, including:
The establishment of a business forum to address key issues.
Launch of the Consumer Protection Programme 2024–2029, with projects aimed at enhancing protections.
A position paper on improving the non-domestic consumer experience, which includes proposals for:
Transparent price listings from suppliers.
Clearer information on security deposits and support services.
A new Code of Practice on minimum billing standards.
“We place great importance on collaborative working, and I would encourage all non-domestic consumers to become part of this engagement by responding to our consultation or reaching out to relevant business representative organisations to ensure that your views are heard,” he concluded.
Further information is available at: www.uregni.gov.uk
