Consumer Research on Energy Cost Allocation and Recovery Preferences

Ofgem is seeking a supplier to conduct deliberative market research exploring how consumers think about, assess, and respond to different approaches for allocating and recovering costs across the energy system. The research will examine consumer lived experiences and priorities regarding affordability, service quality, ease of engagement, fair treatment, and the effectiveness of support for vulnerable consumers. The supplier will gather robust evidence on consumer preferences, including what consumers value most, trade-offs they are willing to accept, and the reasoning behind their preferences. This evidence will enable Ofgem to make informed decisions on future policy and regulatory approaches to cost allocation and recovery that appropriately reflect consumer perspectives. Suppliers should have experience in qualitative and deliberative research methodologies, consumer engagement, and energy market knowledge. The findings will directly inform Ofgem's regulatory strategy.