The Energy Ombudsman recorded a 16% rise in energy-related complaints in the first half of 2026, totaling 46,532 cases compared with 40,068 in the same period last year.

Billing disputes remained the dominant issue, making up 58% of complaints and totaling 27,006, a 15% year-on-year increase.

Smart meter issues emerged as the second major concern, accounting for 10% of queries in the period and rising 6% to 4,817 overall.

Ed Dodman, the chief ombudsman for energy, stressed the body’s role in delivering fair resolutions and addressing root causes of disputes while helping suppliers resolve issues.

The ombudsman highlighted ongoing challenges for energy consumers amid financial pressure and underscored the need for fair resolutions, root-cause remedies, improved dispute handling, and signposting to the ombudsman.

In June, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero announced plans to strengthen the ombudsman’s powers, shorten the escalation timeframe from eight weeks to six, and allow compensation if timely remedies are not provided.

Policy context includes government moves to empower the energy ombudsman, shorten escalation timelines, and enable compensation, alongside broader cost-of-living measures such as VAT relief on energy bills and the Warm Home Discount.

The rise in complaints comes as Ofgem is expected to announce an energy price cap rise from October 1, with forecasts around 4%, impacting households ahead of the heating season.

There were some positive signs for suppliers, with complaints about customer service decreasing by 5% to 3,500 in the first half of 2026.