Each year, KPMG conducts a nationwide survey to explore consumer attitudes and perceptions towards the transition and outlines how collectively, we can place people at the centre. The human side of the energy transition report highlights the importance of trust, confidence and participation, demonstrating that this transition is not just about where our energy comes from, but also how it serves and empowers communities.
More than just an assessment of progress, this report is a call to action: to build trust, enable participation, and ensure that Australia’s energy future is fair, inclusive and beneficial for all.
Download the report to read more.
Survey statistics
The results are in: Australia needs a human-centred energy transition
As the energy transition progresses and continues to be part of the popular discourse, public support for the transition is growing year-on-year. Once prompted with a definition, two-thirds of Australians are supportive of the transition, with 66% supporting the concept.
Australians believe it is important that the energy transition delivers benefits, such as lowering electricity costs (82%), increasing energy efficiency (75%), and ensuring energy security (73%). However, they are also bracing for the impacts, with many concerned about rising prices (80%), energy reliability (70%), and environmental impacts (72%). Low consumer knowledge and awareness about the complexities of the transition, including cost impacts, infrastructure needs, and also any potential benefits, may continue to erode trust if community expectations are not realised. Addressing this gap through clear, accessible communication can help to uplift understanding and ensure alignment in community expectations.
Despite growing awareness and support for the transition, trust remains fragile. Many Australians are uncertain about what the transition entails for them, especially concerning pricing, affordability, and its impact on their everyday lives. Without greater transparency, ethical leadership and clear information, trust will continue to erode.
Building trust in a human-centred energy transition
Australia’s energy transition is more than an infrastructure challenge – it’s a human challenge. While awareness is rising, trust remains fragile, and many Australians are unsure what the transition means for them, particularly in terms of pricing, affordability and impact of the transition on their daily lives.
What’s needed to build a trustworthy and equitable energy transition?
- Demonstrating ability: making the transition tangible and delivering on promises.
- Emphasise humanity: a transition that puts people first.
- Uphold integrity: do what you say you will do.
By focusing on these, Australia can move beyond awareness and towards a transition that is built on trust, transparency and shared value.
Frequently asked questions about the energy transition
Limited access to clear information and conflicting messages are overwhelming many Australians, hindering their understanding.
Support for the energy transition in Australia is growing year on year.
- Two-thirds of Australians support the concept of the energy transition, once they understand the term.
- 42% believe the transition will positively impact their household during the process.
- 57% believe there will be a positive impact after energy targets are achieved.
Australians are primarily concerned about the rising cost of energy, with 81% worried about increasing prices. Other concerns include energy reliability and environmental impacts.
Download our report, The human side of the energy transition, to discover how a unified narrative from both government and industry will help mitigate potential consumer resistance and create a positive path forward.
Download the report
The human side of the energy transition
Understand Australian consumer perceptions and attitudes towards the energy transition and why the country must increase public awareness and understanding, build trust and realise shared value to facilitate a human-centred energy transition.
Previous reports
The human side of energy transition
Putting people at the centre of Australia’s energy transformation.
How KPMG is helping support a human-centred energy transition
KPMG supports the equitable transformation of our energy system to provide sustainable, affordable 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.
Energy transition insights
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