Each year, KPMG conducts a nationwide survey to understand consumer attitudes, perceptions and behaviours towards the energy transition. Now in its fourth year, The human side of the energy transition 2026 findings reveal a persistent gap between willingness and the ability of Australians to participate.
More than a measure of sentiment, this report shows that the next phase of the energy transition will depend on closing the gap between willingness and the ability to act.
While support remains strong, participation is increasingly shaped by structural barriers — including cost, housing and complexity — creating uneven outcomes across households.
For governments, regulators and industry, the opportunity is clear: redesign participation pathways so more Australians can access, adopt and benefit from the transition.
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The human side of the energy transition
Making participation possible – quantifying the gap between willing and able (June 2026)
Survey statistics
Australians support the transition, but barriers persist
As the energy transition progresses, support remains strong, but a clear gap has emerged between those who want to act and those who feel they can. Australians broadly support the energy transition (66%), and most are willing to make changes in their own lives (69%). Yet this intent is not translating into action. And it’s not due to a lack of motivation.
Participation is still largely built around households that have access to upfront capital, suitable housing and the confidence to navigate complex choices. As a result, those with the means to act are the ones most able to benefit.
Why the transition isn’t working for everyone
At the same time, many willing households face the greatest barriers. These barriers are not affecting everyone equally, falling hardest on households already under pressure. This group includes renters and lower-income groups, increasing the risk of widening inequality.
What’s holding households back from participating in the energy transition?
Without structural change, this gap risks widening over time, leaving some households permanently locked out of a transition they support.
What comes next – closing the gap
The participation gap is measurable. This report establishes that closing it requires deliberate system design that is specific, tested, equity-conscious and reflects how Australian households live their lives.
Understanding what drives household behaviour, modelling the consequences of design choices before they are implemented, and measuring equity outcomes as rigorously as system outcomes is how the next phase of the transition makes participation possible for all.
Frequently asked questions about the energy transition
Understanding has more than doubled since 2022, indicating growing awareness and engagement. However, at 40% it is below most of the population with many households experiencing information gaps, complexity and conflicting messages.
Public support for the energy transition in Australia remains strong:
- 66% of Australians support the energy transition.
- 69% are willing to make changes to their lifestyles and households.
Australians are most concerned about rising energy prices, reliability and blackout risks, and the environmental impacts associated with the transition.
Leaders must focus on practical solutions that keep energy affordable and ensure reliability. A unified narrative from both government and industry will help reduce consumer resistance and create a positive path forward.
Failing to address the human impacts can lead to slower adoption, widening inequality, reduced system effectiveness and declining public trust. Organisations risk slowing progress, increasing inequity and undermining the long-term success of the energy transition.
The human side of the energy transition
Understand Australian perceptions of the energy transition and why closing the gap between willingness and the ability to act requires building practical pathways that make a truly human-centred energy transition possible.
Download the report.
The human side of the energy transition
Making participation possible – quantifying the gap between willing and able (June 2026)
How KPMG supports a human-centred energy transition
KPMG supports the equitable transformation of our energy system to provide sustainable, affordable, secure and reliable energy.
We see our purpose as empowering the collective journey towards net zero – making the world better, together. Through this research, we are committed to building a longitudinal view to better understand people’s awareness and perceptions of the energy transition, now and over time.
Leveraging our insights and global knowledge, KPMG is committed to supporting government, industry and communities in navigating this transition – providing the insights, strategies and collaboration needed to turn support into action.
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KPMG Australia’s customer, community and stakeholder energy specialists
- Louise Pogmore
- Praveen Thakur
- Renan Grace
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