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Bad news is bad news: Information effects and citizens’ socio-political acceptance of new technologies of electricity transmission

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  • Stadelmann-Steffen, Isabelle

Abstract

This contribution focuses on citizens’ attitudes towards new technologies in electricity transmission and asks how information provision affects citizens’ attitudes towards different technological solutions. It is thereby assumed that the relevance of information is contingent on whether a technology is new or established, as well as on how the information is framed. Electricity transmission is linked to the transition of energy systems from fossil and nuclear to renewable sources. The analyses therefore contribute to the ongoing debate on how to successfully implement new technical solutions in renewable energy policy. Methodologically, the paper uses novel data from a large-scale population survey conducted in Switzerland and tests information effects based on an experimental split ballot design. The results reveal that whereas public opinion on conventional technologies is rather stable, citizens react strongly to information on new technical solutions. This is particularly the case if the information emphasizes negative aspects and uncertainties of the new technologies. Moreover, such negative information can barely be compensated by simultaneous positive information.

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  • Stadelmann-Steffen, Isabelle, 2019. "Bad news is bad news: Information effects and citizens’ socio-political acceptance of new technologies of electricity transmission," Land Use Policy, Elsevier, vol. 81(C), pages 531-545.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:lauspo:v:81:y:2019:i:c:p:531-545
    DOI: 10.1016/j.landusepol.2018.11.022
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    3. Alexane Dubois & Simona Holzer & Georgios Xexakis & Julia Cousse & Evelina Trutnevyte, 2019. "Informed Citizen Panels on the Swiss Electricity Mix 2035: Longer-Term Evolution of Citizen Preferences and Affect in Two Cities," Energies, MDPI, vol. 12(22), pages 1-21, November.
    4. Franziska Steinberger & Tobias Minder & Evelina Trutnevyte, 2020. "Efficiency versus Equity in Spatial Siting of Electricity Generation: Citizen Preferences in a Serious Board Game in Switzerland," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(18), pages 1-17, September.
    5. Maarten Wolsink, 2020. "Framing in Renewable Energy Policies: A Glossary," Energies, MDPI, vol. 13(11), pages 1-31, June.
    6. Xexakis, Georgios & Hansmann, Ralph & Volken, Sandra P. & Trutnevyte, Evelina, 2020. "Models on the wrong track: Model-based electricity supply scenarios in Switzerland are not aligned with the perspectives of energy experts and the public," Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
    7. Pinto, Lígia Costa & Sousa, Sara & Valente, Marieta, 2022. "Forest bioenergy as a land and wildfire management tool: Economic valuation under different informational contexts," Energy Policy, Elsevier, vol. 161(C).

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