With the latest Energy Price Cap announcement due to be made this week – determining how much people across the country will pay for their energy from the beginning of July – new research from Censuswide has revealed that close to half (49%) of Londoners are still confused by what the Price Cap actually is.

In addition, four in ten (43%) are unsure of the difference between fixed rate and variable energy tariffs.

Despite this uncertainty, people living in London are still keen to engage with their energy use, with the research showing that discussions about energy efficiency, bills and usage take place in London households nine times a month on average. In Glasgow discussions take place six times a month, in Cardiff it’s eight and the average number of energy discussions per month across Britain as a whole is seven.

These conversations may soon also include debates about switching energy provider, with energy consultants Cornwall Insight suggesting the possible return of new tariffs. The survey found that before the energy crisis people in London who switched did so on average every 13 months, but it is now an average of 18 months since many last changed supplier. Over half (54%) of Londoners said they would be likely to switch energy supplier if more deals come back on the market, with 37% keen to find a cheaper tariff and 14% looking to secure a greener tariff.

However, people also have concerns around switching, with over a quarter (27%) worried that they might be left with an inaccurate bill from either their new or old supplier. Over one in five (23%) are worried that the process might be too complicated and 23% don’t know how to find out what their current energy tariff is, to compare it against other offerings.

With so many confused by the energy market, but still keen to engage with it, smart meters are proving a vital source of reassurance and information. The devices, available at no extra cost from your energy supplier, provide automatic and accurate meter readings. This can ease concerns around the switching process, as it ensures your old supplier provides an accurate final bill, and your new supplier gives you an accurate first reading.

Smart meters also provide both real time visibility of your energy use via the handy in-home display, as well as information about your historic energy use, which in turn can help you decide which tariff best suits your needs.

Victoria Bacon of Smart Energy GB, which commissioned the research, said:

“With our research demonstrating people’s strong appetite for switching, coupled with the possible return of new tariffs, it has never been more important to understand your energy use.

“However it is clear that, while energy continues to be a frequent topic of conversation for many, there is still a lot of confusion and concern around billing, costs and switching.

“A simple way to make more informed decisions about your energy usage, be confident that your bills are accurate rather than estimated and to make the switching process easier, is to ask your energy supplier for a smart meter.”

Contact your energy supplier to request a smart meter installation, or visit smartenergygb.org.