Trust key to renewables transition

The study by the Australian National University (ANU) Social Research Centre found this figure was 13 per cent higher among Australians than among Americans.

The research found that overall, three quarters of Australians place at least some personal value on reducing their environmental impact.

However, while many Australians express concern about climate change, a clear gap exists when it comes to translating intention into action.

This often comes down to systemic barriers and a lack of clear, accessible information.

The study found that trust and communication are critical elements in shaping Australia’s renewable energy future.

Key survey findings included:

• Less than half of all Australians believe government, energy companies and the media have clearly communicated how renewable energy changes will affect their household

• People who value the benefits of carbon reduction are more likely to feel that the transition to renewables has been communicated clearly than those that don’t

• Australians who completely distrust the electricity sector are twice as likely to believe reducing their carbon footprint is unimportant

• People living in outer regional areas show less trust in utility companies and financial services than those living in major cities.

The cost of energy was an area of particular concern for those who don’t value reducing their carbon footprint (67 per cent) compared to 47 per cent for those who do value reducing it.

Social Research Centre CEO Kipling Zubevich said renters often felt less empowered than home owners to make significant energy choices and they had a heavier reliance on the electricity grid and public transport.

“Our data suggests that many Australians are not aware that they can become part of the solution,” he said.

“By giving people the right tools and information, we can empower them to play an active role in combating climate change.”

Associate Professor Heather Logie, co-director of the ANU Centre for Energy Systems, said building trust with customers remains a key issue for the energy industry.

“We also know that clear, regular and targeted communications can help to build trust in a complex, fast-paced and evolving energy landscape.”

Logie said there was a role to play for "trusted intermediaries" to help householders navigate energy related decisions in a way that works for them.

“There is no one size fits all approach to the energy transition and we make the case for the establishment of an ‘honest broker’ or one-stop shop to empower Australians to make informed energy decisions.”

The study, which canvassed the views of more than 1,000 Australians, was conducted using the Social Research Centre’s Life in Australia online panel.

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