Eurobarometer Attitudes towards Energy

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Attitudes towards Energy - SPECIAL EUROBAROMETER n° 247

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This reports results of a survey carried out between the 11th of October and the 15th of November 2005. Produced by TNS Opinion & Social, a consortium created between Taylor Nelson Sofres and EOS Gallup Europe, it was carried out within the wave 64.2 of the EUROBAROMETER. This survey was requested and coordinated by the European Commission, Directorate-General Press and Communication, Opinion Polls. However, this document does not represent the point of view of the European Commission and the interpretations and opinions contained in it are solely those of the authors.

Contents

PRESENTATION

1. THE ROLE OF PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
   1.1 The level of decision-making
   1.2 Priorities of National Governments
   1.3 Priorities to reduce energy consumption
   
2. THE ROLE OF CONSUMERS 2.1 Citizens' behaviour: a consumer perspective
   2.2 Consumers facing energy challenges: the use of renewable energy
   2.3 Consumers facing energy challenges: reduction of energy consumption
   
3. CAR USAGE: A PRACTICAL EXAMPLE OF THE CHALLENGES FOR ENERGY POLICY
   3.1 Citizens' attitude vs. rise in fuel prices
   CONCLUSION

ANNEXES
Technical note
Questionnaire
Data tables

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Conclusions

The following points can be outlined based on the results of this survey:

• Results show that there is a clear demand for action on the side of public for authorities at all levels.
• The European level of decision making is perceived as the most appropriate compared to the other options: 1 out of 2 interviewees support this view. Support for a European energy policy appears to be lower in the acceding and candidates countries.
• When asked what the National Governments should focus on in order to reduce the current energy dependency, Europeans clearly support the enhanced use of renewable energies, particularly solar energy and to a lesser extend wind power. Europeans are also strongly in favour of promotion of advanced technologies such as hydrogen and clean coal.
• Governments should also promote the efficient use of energy more actively, particularly regarding practical issues such as how to save energy and the use of new forms of energy at home. Most Europeans citizens would require more information on efficient use of energy, however external steering in the form of tax incentives would also be desired.
• As consumers, Europeans seem to give some consideration to the idea of using less energy: in their purchasing decisions, almost 6 out of 10 citizens pay a lot of attention to the energy consumed by cars or household equipment. Though, the attention paid is lower when it comes to the energy consumed by more banal equipment (light bulb).
• Regarding renewable energies, 54% of Europeans are not prepared to pay more for them, However 27% are prepared to do so provided the price increase is limited to 5%. Yet, there are still significant differences between former and new Member States, with the latter group being clearly more reluctant to pay higher prices for green energy
• While changing energy usage still generates a certain level of reluctance when it involves financial efforts, reducing energy consumption seems to be a realistic goal on a short term basis: more than 5 out of 10 Europeans would appear to be willing to reduce their energy consumption and 5% would make this change even if it implies paying more.
• Finally, it seems that a potential price increase of fuel could have an impact, although limited, on car use.Other active policies are necessary to promote the use of alternative means of transport.