What consumers think

Hey Reader, welcome to The Energy's weekly data newsletter. This week we explore the impact the energy wars are having on consumer perceptions of clean energy.

Australian support for clean energy

Two new consumer polls on attitudes towards renewable energy provide some of the data behind the wedge politics seen in parliament this week.

Debate on Nationals MP Barnaby Joyce’s private members bill to repeal climate laws on Monday quickly moved onto renewable energy targets and Nationals MP arguments that they were “tearing our communities apart” and a case of “net zero policy trying to force through technology before it is ready”.

What does the data say?

A new “Clean Energy Solutions Index” launched this week by climate advocate Eytan Lenko and social trends expert Rebecca Huntley found Australians were likely more willing to support proven, visible clean energy solutions over those that may still feel aspirational or have high perceived barriers to adoption.

The “one number score” is made up of four separate metrics: personal support, good for Australia, perceived support in their local community and willingness to talk positively about this solution amongst family and friends. Source: Boundless/89 Degrees East

However the index, based on a survey of 3000~ people across Australia (but excluding the NT and ACT) also found clean energy solutions that offer both climate and economic benefits (either at the national or household level) were well supported, even when there may be low knowledge of them (such as establishing a green metals industry).

Australians are savvy to the costs and benefits of the transition - the index found cost was the key reason for opposition against building new transmission lines, more so than impact on farming land, and one of the top two reasons for opposition against local manufacturing of renewable energy components.

An actionable insight from the index authors: “Address cost concerns head-on through messaging that clarifies funding mechanisms and the cost-benefit of each of these solutions.”

This finding is interesting in the context of polling earlier this year by the Lowy Institute showing majority support for providing subsidies for the development of renewable energy technologies.

*Source: Lowy Institute Poll 2025 Report*

Noise matters

The Clean Energy Solutions Index offers some new insight into the role of positive and negative “noise” in altering support for clean energy.

Support tends to be higher when positive noise strongly outweighs negative noise, which the authors say suggests a multiplier effect when the noise gap is at its widest.

The difference between support for solar farms, versus wind farms is a good example, when compared alongside noise that is mostly positive for the former and mostly negative for the latter.

Expert view

"History shows us that energy transition in Australia is often a ‘two steps forward, one step back’ process, with no guarantee that political support and broad social licence for clean energy technologies and developments will be easily established and maintained. In addition, as the transition continues — we can expect more resistance and opposition, everything from legitimate local concerns about community benefit and impacts of projects on land and environment to disinformation campaigns in both traditional and online media.”

Dr Rebecca Huntley
Director of Research, 89 Degrees East

Renewables getting the blame

And negative noise about renewable energy and the cost of infrastructure in general appears to be having some cut through, at least according to the other new poll, this one commissioned by grid technology firm Neara.

Its survey of 1,000 energy bill payers found almost half blame the shift to renewable energy for increases in their energy bills.

What factors, if any, do you think causes your energy bills to increase?
Source: Censuswide poll for Neara

Expert view

"There is a communication breakdown between the energy sector and the public. Rising energy costs are not driven by renewables, but by ageing coal plants, volatile gas prices, and soaring labour costs. According to the Climate Council, gas prices drive 50-90% of pricing periods in the National Electricity Market. This means that relying heavily on fossil fuels like coal and gas is keeping power bills higher than they need to be.

Yet, many Australians wrongly believe renewables and network upgrades are the problem.

This misunderstanding matters. When people think renewables cause high bills, it becomes harder to gain support for solutions that actually lower costs. Grid upgrades, faster renewable integration, and smarter planning are essential for a secure and affordable energy future. Confusion risks delaying the progress households and businesses need.”

Jack Curtis
Chief Commercial Officer, Neara

Getting the basics right

The Australian Energy Regulator this week confirmed that renewable technologies made up 60% of the National Electricity Market’s generation capacity and contributed 39% of generation output in 2024, breaking a new record of 75.6% of total generation during a half-hour interval in November.

Yet the Clean Energy Solutions Index survey found the majority of Australians believe less than 30% comes from clean energy, and one in five think it should stay that way.