People's opinions on energy matters are, or at least they should be, based on facts. Because it is difficult or even impossible to possess knowledge of complex matters of technology, science and economy, people have to trust experts. This is not quite so simple either. Determining who the experts are becomes a problem. Experts and politicians representing various interests, as well as other parties providing information to people, are usually in disagreement. Therefore, the adoption of energy information is hampered not only by complexity but also by contradiction. This has been particularly clear with regard to the nuclear power debate, where combative statements - even when authoritative - have been the rule rather than the exception.

8.1. Availability of information

Earlier studies have indicated that people do not believe that energy information is withheld as such, and they do not feel that they are being kept in the dark in that respect. At the moment, almost half of the respondents (47%) agree with the statement that there is a sufficient amount of reliable information on energy issues available for anyone. However, one in three (34%) are not satisfied with the amount of available information. The assessments are basically the same as last year. In practice, the slight increase in criticality that was seen two years ago has disappeared along with the two newest results. As a whole, the time series is quite uneventful. During the first part of the follow-up period (1996-2000), confidence in the availability of correct energy information gradually increased. After that, the fluctuation in attitudes has had no clear direction of development [Figure 35.].