AusNet vulnerability research grant 2023 project report
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Purpose of the study
The current energy transition from fossil fuels to cleaner, more sustainable sources is a major change process involving all Victorians. The attitudes and behaviours of different population groups – and the support provided to them – are key to the success of the transition and its impact on people’s wellbeing.
Older people are an important part of this change. While many older Victorians are positively embracing opportunities in the new energy market, many others are finding themselves feeling left behind and exposed to significant risks.
COTA Victoria led this study with the support of AusNet’s Vulnerability Research Grant to explore how older consumers are experiencing the energy transition, including the barriers they face and ways in which the issue may heighten existing vulnerabilities and create new risks.
Research approach
To inform this study, we engaged with one hundred older Victorians living in the community, mostly aged 65 and over. Focus groups were held with individual householders living within AusNet’s electricity distribution network – a mix of homeowners and renters – to identify key issues and concerns they hold in regard to the energy transition.
Key issues raised in these in-depth discussions were then tested in an online survey with 80 respondents. Questions focused on positive and negative influences on household energy change, preferences for receiving information and advice, and suggestions for effective support that should be provided to older people.
Learn more about our approach in a recent episode of the Wallis Social Research’s Appendix W podcast, available below.