The energy transition is a critical and sometimes confusing challenge.
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.
Survey statistics
A quick snapshot of what survey respondents had to say about the shift to renewable energy:
The results are in: Australia needs a human-centred energy transition
Awareness of the energy transition is increasing year-on-year and continues to be part of public discourse. Public support is also growing, but at a slower pace. In January 2025, when prompted with a definition of the energy transition, 66% of Australians supported the concept. Additionally, more Australians now believe the transition will have a positive impact on their household during the process (42%), and 57% believe it will have a positive impact once energy targets are met.
However, positive sentiment toward the transition is not increasing at the same rate as awareness and understanding. This suggests emerging challenges in translating knowledge into action and support.
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 Australians concerned about rising prices (80%), energy reliability (70%), and environmental impacts (72%).
With public support more critical than ever, it is essential not only to build awareness and understanding but also to strengthen trust, confidence, and ultimately, support. To harness this momentum, we must address confusion around the transition—its impacts, benefits, and costs—while acknowledging the ongoing pressures of the rising cost of living.
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
1. The energy transition is still not well understood by many Australians. Why is this?
Limited access to clear information and conflicting messages are overwhelming many Australians, hindering their understanding.
2. What is the current level of public support for the energy transition in Australia?
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.
3. What are the main concerns of Australians regarding the energy transition?
Australians are primarily concerned about the rising cost of energy, with 81% worried about increasing prices. Other concerns include energy reliability and environmental impacts.
4. What roles do government and industry play?
Australians are looking to government and industry for guidance. Leaders must focus on practical solutions that keep energy affordable, ensure reliability, and provide clear communication about the benefits of the energy transition.
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.
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.
Download report (PDF 3.3MB)
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.
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