Only one in five energy consumers are aware of the price cap and just 15 per cent say they also understand how it works, Ofgem has revealed in a new report.
The figures are from a quarterly survey commissioned by Ofgem and Citizens Advice on perceptions of the energy market among more than 3,200 household consumers.
The results for the third quarter of 2019 show both awareness and informed awareness have returned the same levels as when the first survey was conducted in late 2018. They peaked during the previous quarter at 29 per cent and 22 per cent respectively.
The price cap was brought in on 1 January this year and has been revised twice to keep in line with the cost of wholesale gas and electricity prices. It currently stands at £1,179 (or £1,217 for pre-payment customers).
In terms of complaints, the survey found that most (31 per cent) concerned price, 28 per cent were due to billing problems and 19 per cent were smart meter related.
Out of the complaints received, 31 per cent had been completed, while another 31 per cent of people had given up pursuing the complaint and 32 per cent said the process was still ongoing. Just 6 per cent said they were unsure how their complaint was progressing.
Overall, the majority of respondents said they were satisfied with customer service (72 per cent).
Approaching half (44 per cent) said they had never switched energy supplier, whilst 22 per cent said they had never even considered it.