Knowledge is power in shift to renewables, but consumers feeling short on both

When you need to buy a new oven, replace a broken hot water system, update your kitchen or renovate your house, there is no single place to find the most energy efficient way to do it.

A clear source of information to help households get involved in the shift to net zero emissions is crucial for Australia’s energy targets to succeed, according to national research.

“Consumers remain positive about the broad transition, they can see the value in it for Australia and its future and they can see a likely cost reduction down the track,” Energy Consumers Australia chief executive Brendan French told AAP.

“But what they’re really looking for is assistance in how they can participate.”

The consumer group’s survey of more than 4000 households found positive sentiment about clean energy was high, with three-in-five households saying the switch to renewables would be good for the country.

But many Australians are unclear about what it means for them individually, with only 20 per cent saying the government has clearly explained it, according to the report released on Tuesday.

“There’s a very large number of consumers out there who feel that something is happening, who may want to … take benefit from it or reduce costs, but they just don’t know how to do it,” Dr French said.

Australians believe making houses more energy efficient is the most important action to reduce emissions, followed by more rooftop solar and large-scale energy projects like wind and solar farms.

The least important measures were reducing household gas consumption, building nuclear power plants and increasing the use of electric vehicles.

Many households aren’t considering EVs, with 40 per cent expressing interest, probably due to the limited availability of second-hand and budget-friendly options.

Two-thirds of households said they were not planning to switch off their gas supply in favour of electricity, also likely due to the cost.

The report card follows polling by Farmers For Climate Action that found 70 per cent of rural Australians support clean energy projects on farmland in their local areas and 17 per cent were opposed.

That support came with conditions, including proper consultation and better access to reliable energy.

Research by the Regional Australia Institute found while country communities see significant opportunities in the energy shift, net zero targets are under threat unless they are properly consulted.

Source: AAP