The Energy Ombudsman handled 46,532 complaints in the first half of 2026, a 16% increase from the same period last year. Billing disputes made up 58% of these complaints, with 27,006 reported, a 15% increase from 2025. The ombudsman's chief, Ed Dodman, notes that household finances are under ongoing pressure and his office has an important role in ensuring consumers can access fair resolutions when things go wrong. The data suggests some positive signs for suppliers, with customer service complaints down 5%, although energy prices are expected to rise by 4% next month.
Written by the local model on 2026-08-25,
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Story summary
Energy complaints handled by ombudsman jumped 16% in the first half of 2026, with 46,532 cases accepted. This marks a significant increase from 40,068 cases in the same period last year and is the first time complaints have risen since 2023. Billing disputes made up the majority of complaints, accounting for 58% of cases, while smart meter complaints increased by 6%. The surge in energy complaints comes as Ofgem is expected to announce a 4% increase in the energy price cap from October 1, which may further strain household finances. According to Ed Dodman, chief ombudsman for energy, the data highlights "the continued challenges facing many energy consumers" and emphasizes the importance of fair resolutions when things go wrong.
Written for “Energy Cost Complaints Rise” on 2026-08-31,
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Leaning score -0.35 for article 2323 (high confidence, 1 verified quote) · logged 2026-08-27
Energy complaints taken on by the industry ombudsman surged by 16% in the first half of 2026 as billing concerns disputes soared amid pressures on household finances, the latest figures have shown.
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figures → take → finances
The Energy Ombudsman said it accepted 46,532 cases in the six months to the end of June, up from 40,068 a year earlier and marking the first half-year rise in complaints since 2023.
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it → say → 2023
The data shows billing disputes made up the majority – 58% – of complaints in the first half and were 15% higher in total than a year ago, at 27,006.
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disputes → show → 27,006
Complaints over smart meters also made up a significant proportion, at 10% in the second quarter, and were 6% higher overall in the first half at 4,817.
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Complaints → make → 4,817
It comes as Ofgem is expected on Wednesday to announce an increase in the energy price cap from October 1, with latest forecasts pointing to a 4% rise just as many households will turn on their heating.
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households → come → heating
Ed Dodman, chief ombudsman for energy, said: “The findings in this report highlight the continued challenges facing many energy consumers at a time of ongoing pressure on household finances.
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findings → say → finances
“Energy Ombudsman has an important role to play in ensuring consumers can access fair resolutions when things go wrong, while supporting suppliers to resolve disputes and address the root causes of complaints.
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suppliers → have → complaints
“We will continue to monitor complaint trends closely and work with suppliers to address areas of concern and ensure consumers can access fair, timely resolutions when things go wrong.”
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things → continue → resolutions
There were some positive signs for suppliers, however, with complaints accepted for customer service down 5% at 3,500 in the half-year.
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complaints → be → year
More energy firms are also informing customers of their right to refer disputes to the ombudsman after eight weeks or a deadlock has been reached.
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deadlock → inform → weeks
Read More
The ombudsman said average “signposting” rates have increased from 48% in 2025 to 53% in the first six months of 2026.
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rates → read → 2026
The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced in June it would bolster the energy ombudsman’s powers and improve access for consumers, including cutting the complaint escalation timeframe from the current eight weeks to six weeks and allowing compensation for consumers when remedies are not secured on time.
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remedies → announce → time
