Approximately 64% of energy consumers do not intend to change their supplier this year, the main reason being the fear of change, according to a survey conducted by the Romanian Institute for Evaluation and Strategy (IRES).

Also, 25% say they will change their supplier, and 11% have not taken a decision yet.

When asked how clear the information on supply offers is, 47% answered “to a small extent”, 10% “not at all”, 36% “to a large extent” and 6% “to a very large extent”.

Among the reasons why they do not intend to change the supplier, consumers mention the fear of change (34%) and lack of information (29%), whilst 8% are satisfied with the current supplier and 7% – out of convenience.

Of the total respondents, 51% were in the regulated market, 37% in the free market, and the remaining 12% did not know which category they fell into or did not answer. Of those who entered the free market, 84% kept the same supplier.

A share of 92% of the interviewees heard about the liberalization process from January 1, 2021, and 53% have a good and very good opinion about this step. At the same time, 63% believe they do not have enough information about this change, according to Agerpres.

Almost half, respectively 47% of the respondents, say that they pay between 101 and 200 lei in an ordinary month for energy, 26% less than 100 lei and 15% between 201 and 300 lei.

Regarding people’s opinion about the costs paid, 44% said that they are appropriate, 37% consider them quite high, and 16% much too high. No respondent said the price seemed too low.

Regarding energy saving measures, 78% turn off the light when they leave the room, 70% keep a moderate temperature (18-20 degrees) in the house, 69% have economic bulbs, 59% buy energy efficient equipment.

The survey was conducted in early January and includes 1,322 respondents nationwide, aged 18 and over, and the maximum tolerated error is plus/minus 3.1%.