More than half of households turning off heating while still cold, new NI survey reveals
28th Jul 2026
More than half of households across Northern Ireland are turning off their heating even when their home still feels cold, according to new research,highlighting the ongoing impact high energy costs have on everyday life.
The findings come from the Power to Switch Home Energy Survey 2026, the fifth annual report from Northern Ireland’s only compare and switch energy service. Based on responses from 1,782 households across the region, the report provides one of the longest-running snapshots of how people are managing household energy costs, and reveals that many continue to change how they heat, power and live in their homes.
Among the report’s key findings:
● 72% of respondents said their household energy bills had increased over the past 12 months.
● Those reporting an increase said bills had risen by an average of £372 over the last year.
● 56% said they had turned off their heating even though their home still felt cold.
● 81% said they had become more careful about how they use energy around the home.
● Almost one in five (19%) said they had stayed elsewhere for longer to avoid heating their own home.
The report suggests that the effects of ongoing energy price shifts are shaping daily routines for households across Northern Ireland.
Survey respondents described wearing extra layers rather than switching the heating on, heating only occupied rooms, turning off appliances at the socket, closing curtains earlier to retain heat and changing cooking and laundry habits to keep costs down.
Aodhan O’Donnell, Founder of Power to Switch, said:
“Five years of surveying households tells us something important. People are making difficult decisions every day about how they use energy and how they manage their household budgets.
“The figures tell one part of the story, but the comments people shared bring it to life. Families are making compromises they never expected to make, whether that’s delaying putting the heating on, staying elsewhere to keep warm or constantly looking for new ways to reduce their energy use.”
The report also found that affordability remains a significant concern for many households.
Almost half (49%) said paying their energy bills or topping up a keypad meter had become more difficult over the past year. Among keypad customers, 61% said they had run out of credit and couldn’t afford to top up immediately, while 20% of households using home heating oil said they had delayed ordering oil despite concerns about running out.
The findings also suggest many consumers continue to lack confidence that they are on the best available energy deal.
More than a third (38%) said they were not confident they were getting the best tariff for their household, while only 21% felt very confident they were already on the best deal available.
O’Donnell added:
“Northern Ireland has a unique energy market, with many households relying on home heating oil and keypad meters, creating pressures that people elsewhere in the UK don’t always experience.
“While we can’t control energy prices, we can help people make sure they’re not paying more than they need to. Comparing tariffs regularly and understanding what’s available remains one of the simplest ways households can take back a bit of control over their bills.”
The Power to Switch Home Energy Survey 2026 was carried out between 10 March and 4 April 2026 and gathered 1,782 responses from households across Northern Ireland. The full report explores consumer attitudes, behaviours and experiences around energy costs, affordability and switching. Read the full report here: powertoswitch.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/PTS-Home-Energy-Report.pdf
