More than half of households in Northern Ireland switch off their heating even when their homes still feel cold, according to the Power to Switch Home Energy Survey 2026. The survey collected 1,782 responses between 10 March and 4 April 2026.

Of those surveyed, 72% reported that their energy bills had risen over the past year, with an average increase of £372. In response, 81% said they were now more careful about how they use energy. A total of 56% said they had turned off the heating despite their home still feeling cold, and 19% had stayed elsewhere for longer periods to avoid heating their own home.

Affordability pressures were also evident in billing and payment behaviour. Almost half of respondents (49%) said paying bills or topping up a keypad meter had become more difficult over the last year. Among keypad customers, 61% reported running out of credit and not being able to top up immediately. For households reliant on home heating oil, 20% said they had delayed ordering oil despite fears of running out.

Confidence in being on the best available tariff was low. More than a third (38%) said they were not confident they were on the most suitable tariff for their needs, while only 21% felt very confident they had the best deal.

Aodhan O'Donnell, Founder of Power to Switch, said five years of surveying households showed people were making difficult decisions daily about energy use and household budgets. He noted that families were making compromises they had not expected, such as delaying heating, staying elsewhere to keep warm, and constantly looking for ways to reduce energy use.

O'Donnell added that Northern Ireland has a unique energy market, with many households relying on home heating oil and keypad meters, creating pressures not experienced by people elsewhere in the UK. He said that while energy prices cannot be controlled, comparing tariffs regularly and understanding what is available remains one of the simplest ways for households to take back some control over their bills.