Chart of the week | COVID-19 research findings published ahead of strengthened consumer protections

This ‘Chart of the week’ comes from Ofgem’s latest research on the impacts of COVID-19 measures on energy consumption and customer’s financial wellbeing. Published on 6 November, the findings presented come from the third wave of this research, with fieldwork being conducted in April, May, and October.

While those reporting as being concerned about paying for their energy held steady between May and October 2020, there has been an increase in concerns about topping up prepayment meters (PPMs). The research indicates that:

  • 30% of PPM customers are worried they may not be able to top up their meter because they cannot leave home.
  • 27% worry they may not be able to top up because their top-up shop is closed.
Emma Bill

Emma Bill

To keep reading, please log in to your account or sign up for free

Alternatively, please sign up to receive free market insight online and direct to your inbox

Log in or sign up for free
Contact us

Related thinking

Low carbon generation

BEIS confirm end-date for recognition of EU GoO imports

In this week’s ‘Chart of the Week’, we examine the historical volume of GoOs imported for FMD and explores what impact GoO removal will have on the REGO market.

Regulation and policy

What’s the story…Oxera publishes findings on Ofgem’s regulatory performance

On 6 May, Ofgem published a report on the findings of an independent review undertaken by Oxera and commissioned by Ofgem's Board into the root causes of the recent supplier failure. In this 'Chart of the week', we look at how the report assesses the performance of Ofgem in meeting...

Business supply and services

A GoO-ey end? Green power import certificates poised for removal

On 29 March, BEIS published a consultation seeking views on the removal of Feed in Tariff (FIT) and Contracts for Difference (CfD) scheme cost exemptions for green imported electricity and the recognition of EU Guarantees of Origin (GoOs) in GB altogether. Our 'Chart of the week' shows historic GoO imports...

Home supply and services

No easy fix: tariff prices remain high

In response to the unprecedented increases in global gas prices, Ofgem announced last week time limited measures “to help stabilise” the supply market. This includes a requirement for all domestic suppliers to offer existing customers the same tariffs available to new customers from 14 April, echoing changes made by the...

Home supply and services

Ticking Clock

With the political debate regarding energy prices and their impacts on the cost of living – not to mention the economy at large – the default tariff cap announcement for Summer 2022 from Ofgem at the start of next month is the most anticipated since the cap’s inception.

Commercial and market outlook

CP19 of the RO sees record shortfall

The perfect storm of challenging market conditions has persisted across the duration of the 2020-21 compliance period (CP) of the Renewables Obligation (RO), driving a large volume of supplier exits, particularly over recent months. As the dust settles on the compliance process relating to CP19 (2020-21) of the RO, this...

Home supply and services

Domestic switching falls as the savings gap is squeezed

With day-ahead gas reaching an all-time high of 187.50p/th as of 15 September, it has been a record-breaking summer for wholesale energy prices. This Chart of the Week explores the impact these high prices are having on domestic tariffs and consumer switching behaviour.

Low carbon generation

A podium finish: ROC banking in CP19

The Renewables Obligation (RO) Compliance Period (CP) 19 (2020-21) has been unusual in the scheme’s history in light of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. As we are in the so-called “compliance season” for CP19, we reflect on the last year and the importance that Renewable Obligation Certificates (ROC) “banking”...