The Consumer Council has published its third annual 'Attitudes to Energy Transition' research report, providing ongoing insights into consumer experience and evolving perspectives on decarbonisation specifically within Northern Ireland.

The research is intended to inform policy makers and industry experts as Northern Ireland navigates the significant changes required for the energy transition.

The research highlights that while overall understanding of core terms remains high—for example, 88% understood 'greenhouse gas emissions' and 74% understood 'net zero'—this level of understanding has been largely stagnant over the three years of the survey.

The high cost of energy remains a significant concern for consumers, even after the peak of the energy crisis:

• Cost as Barrier: 59% of respondents cited cost as the most likely barrier preventing them from making necessary upgrades or installations to aid decarbonisation (e.g., insulation, new heating systems). This figure is down slightly from 62% in the previous year. • Home Energy Use: Just under half (48%) of respondents agreed they were concerned about the amount of energy used in their home.

The findings also suggest that consumers are open and eager to engage with the transition if adequate support is provided, with almost half (47%) of respondents saying they would be likely to use a 'one-stop shop' for energy education and advice.

Raymond Gormley, Head of Energy Policy at the Consumer Council, stressed the need for policy to reflect consumer realities: "As significant barriers to individuals' energy transition remain, it is crucial that the annual consumer insights we capture, and how these change year on year, are used to inform policy making and regulatory reform. It is essential that we achieve a just and fair transition by ensuring affordability, security of energy supply and protection for all consumers, particularly our vulnerable citizens."

Given that heat and transport emissions make up a significant amount of Northern Ireland's total carbon emissions, Mr. Gormley concluded that domestic consumers will play a "key role" in achieving net zero targets.