Consumer energy survey
On behalf of Consumer Justice Foundation (CJF), a nationally representative survey was conducted in the Netherlands between the 29 October and 3 November 2025, with 1,023 respondents completing the questionnaire on both mobile and desktop devices.
The survey explored people’s perceptions of the energy industry, including whether energy companies act fairly and how the energy companies’ policies affect wider society. In total, there were 27 questions polled.
The study was carried out by an accredited MRS company and a certified member of the British Polling Council. The polling provider employed strict survey security protocols, and its recruitment methods are designed to eliminate any potential single source-bias.
More detailed findings shared in our press release on 18 November 2025 can be found below. The Consumer Justice Foundation will publish additional polling results in the coming weeks, and remains committed to full transparency about the study’s methodology and data.
Q: What, if anything, has the rising cost of energy led you to do?
31% Reduce spending in other areas (leisure, transport, groceries, etc.)
51% Conserving energy use at home (not turning on the lights as often, using the slow cooker, or air fryer instead of the hob, etc.)
56% Avoid turning on the heat and cover up at home as long as possible or adjusting the thermostat
26% Consider investing in energy efficient options (solar panels, getting energy efficient lightbulbs or appliances, home insulation, etc.)
47% Take shorter showers
1% Other, please specify
12% Nothing in particular
1% Prefer not to say
Q: In your opinion, who has the greatest impact on energy prices in the Netherlands?
26% Energy suppliers
40% The Dutch government
26% Global market forces
1% Other (please specify)
7% No one / not sure
Q: How concerned, if at all, are you about the affordability of your energy bills over the next 12 months?
13% Very concerned
41% Somewhat concerned
31% Not very concerned
12% Not at all concerned
3% I don’t know
54% Net: Concerned
43% Net: Not concerned
1% Prefer not to say
Q: In general, thinking about small businesses in your area, have you noticed price increases or decreases over the past 12 months?
48% Increase
7% Decrease
21% No change
15% There are no small businesses in the area I am aware of
10% I don’t know
A public mandate for accountability
The survey findings reflect a strong public mandate for greater accountability in the energy market. This reinforces why CJF’s legal action is both necessary and urgent.
Michael Lints, Chairman of the CJF, said:
“People across the Netherlands can see the impact of unpredictable energy price rises in their daily lives, from higher household bills to local shops and community organisations struggling to cope. These figures show that most people understand just how difficult these increases have been for small businesses, and agree they deserve stronger protection. Local businesses are vital to the Dutch economy and, just like households, they should not be left exposed to unfair or unjustified price hikes. Our claim is about restoring balance, holding suppliers to account, and ensuring that everyone affected, families and small businesses alike, receives the compensation they are owed.”