Around two fifths (38%) of Europeans would like to see better energy protection measures implemented for vulnerable consumers, as well as those in energy poverty, a Eurobarometer study has found.
According to the study, which explored the attitudes of consumers in the context of the energy transition, around a third (34%) said that they would like to see more clarity and transparency when it comes to their energy bills, with a similar percentage urging a clampdown on unfair commercial practices in the energy market (34%).
Some 28% of respondents said that they would like better access to energy data and digital tools to monitor and adapt their energy consumption, while just over a fifth (21%) would like switching between providers to be an easier process.
Switching provider
As the study found, just 38% of Europeans have switched their electricity provider in the past three years, while 33% have switched their gas provider over the same period.
Among those that have not switched provider, 52% said that they were satisfied with their current provider’s service, while 15% cited difficulty comparing offers, 13% cited the perceived complexity of the process, and 10% indicated that they were concerned about interruptions or technical issues.
‘More than one-third of those who switched within the last three years (36%) and over half of non-switchers (52%) say quality of service is the most important factor after price,’ Eurobarometer noted.
Energy bills
Notably only a third (33%) of respondents said that they ‘fully understand’ all components of their energy bill, with 36% saying that they struggle to understand taxes and infrastructure maintenance charges.
Other aspects of a typical energy bill that are perceived as difficult to understand include the cost per energy unit consumed (16%), the calculation of the total payment (16%), and contract terms, early termination fees, and post-contract conditions (16%).
The survey was conducted by Eurobarometer between June and July 2025, across all EU Member States. Read more here.
