To better understand how energy prices affect small business operations, the 2026 CFIB energy survey gathered responses from 2,349 small business owners across a diverse range of industries nationwide.
Energy costs are a growing concern for SMEs, further heightened by global risks
Business owners are expressing strong concern about rising energy costs. 87% of respondents say they are very concerned (45%) or somewhat concerned (42%) about the negative impact of energy costs on their business over the next 12 months. These concerns are widespread across all regions, sectors, and size of businesses.
Energy costs are a core and unavoidable part of SMEs' operations
Energy use profile is broad and multi-input, with businesses relying heavily on both electricity and fuel-based sources. Nearly all firms use electricity from the grid, while gasoline or diesel and natural gas are also widely used, reflecting the diverse energy needs required to operate. This reliance across multiple energy sources means businesses are exposed to disruptions and price volatility in both electricity and fuel markets.
Higher energy costs are squeezing SMEs from multiple directions
Energy costs have increased for most SMEs over the past year. More than two‑thirds (69%) report higher overall energy costs. The increase is broad‑based across energy inputs, with 69% reporting increases in transport fuels, 67% of business owners reporting higher heating fuel and furnace oil prices, 64% in electricity, and 56% in natural gas prices. The energy cost pressures are widespread, affecting multiple core inputs simultaneously.
Relief is needed
Business owners are looking for immediate cost relief. More than three‑quarters (76%) want governments to lower the small business tax burden, while 71% call for lower electricity rates and 46% for reduced natural gas rates, signalling that affordability measures are clearly business owners' priorities.
The bottom line
The survey data paints a clear picture of the central role energy plays in the day‑to‑day reality of small and medium‑sized enterprises. Business owners rely on a mix of energy sources across core business operations, with electricity, natural gas, and transportation fuels deeply embedded in operations and difficult to substitute in the short term.
Dive deeper into the numbers
Explore our interactive dashboard to delve deeper into our survey. You can filter by province, sector, business size, and more. You can also download the accompanying presentation deck for a detailed summary of the survey’s key takeaways.
Survey methodology
Title: 2026 Small businesses Energy Survey
Status: Final results
Active Dates: March 5 - May 28, 2026
Respondent Demographics: Responses from 2,349 CFIB members who are owners of Canadian independent businesses across all sectors and regions.
Margin of Error: +/- 2.0%, 19 times out of 20, for a probability sample of the same size.