With many Aussies receiving a rude energy bill shock in recent weeks, consumer confidence in the country’s energy market has plunged to its lowest levels on record, according to advocacy group Energy Consumers Australia. The price of coal and gas has soared in the wake of the Ukraine war and faltering coal-fired power plants in recent months, and that’s driven up household energy bills across the country. That’s all led to a plunge in consumer sentiment, with 53% of survey respondents saying they felt they were getting value for money this month, down from 62% in July. A similar fall was noted for gas customers. With experts warning of more price hikes over the year, calls have grown for governments to help make homes more energy efficient.