77% of the Public Support Regional Differentiation of Electricity Tariffs

Korea Energy Information Culture Agency's National Energy Perception Survey
82% of the Public Says "Renewable Energy Should Be Further Expanded"
Emphasis on Not Only Eco-Friendliness but Also Energy Supply Stability

It was found that 82% of Korean citizens believe that renewable energy should be further expanded. However, when it comes to the government's energy policy, the public recognizes not only eco-friendliness but also the stability of energy supply and security as important values. Additionally, 77% of respondents supported the implementation of a regionally differentiated electricity tariff system.

The Korea Energy Information Culture Agency announced on May 21 the results of its first energy public perception survey in 2026. This survey was conducted by Korea Research International from April 23 to 26, 2026, targeting 2,000 Korean adults aged 18 or older nationwide, using a Computer-Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) method.

According to the survey results, 71.0% of respondents evaluated the government's renewable energy-focused policy positively. Specifically, 39.9% responded that the government is "doing very well," indicating a high level of positive perception regarding the expansion of renewable energy and the direction of future energy transition. On the other hand, 21% gave a negative evaluation, saying the government is "not doing well."

The public perceives that, in the process of promoting energy policy, establishing a stable electricity supply system is just as important as eco-friendliness.

As for the factors the government should prioritize in energy policy, respondents most frequently cited "electricity supply stability (29.8%)" and "national energy security (19.9%)." The agency explained, "It was found that people recognize the importance of stable electricity supply in response to increasing demand and the reinforcement of the energy supply and demand infrastructure."

Regarding the direction of renewable energy expansion policies, 82.0% of respondents answered that it "should be expanded." The main reasons cited were "to promote climate change and carbon neutrality policies (36.4%)," "the need to ensure energy supply stability (20.7%)," and "to enhance domestic energy self-sufficiency (16.7%)." Among those who recognize the necessity of expanding renewable energy, they consider environmental value together with energy supply stability and energy self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, 14.7% of respondents said that renewable energy should be reduced. The reasons given included "increased generation costs and other financial burdens (31.0%)," "environmental damage due to facility installation (25.1%)," and "output variability depending on weather conditions (19.1%)."

The public also showed strong support for renewable energy expansion policies centered on the public sector. Regarding the "Public K-RE100" policy, which requires public institutions to use renewable energy, 81.0% responded that it is necessary. In addition, 79.7% supported mandatory installation of solar power facilities in schools, public facilities, and parking lots.

There was also a high preference for distributed, community-based renewable energy. 77.8% of respondents said they would like renewable energy facilities to be installed and utilized near their places of residence or work, with the most common reason being "reduction in electricity bills (46.9%)." The most desired type of new installation was "building/rooftop solar power (36.1%)."

Regarding the "Sunlight and Wind Income (profit-sharing system)," which shares a portion of renewable energy generation revenue with local residents, 83.6% said it is necessary. The main reason cited was "providing stable income for local residents (27.1%)."

As for the introduction of regionally differentiated electricity tariff systems, where electricity rates differ between production and consumption areas, 77.2% responded that it is necessary. The agency explained, "This indicates a high level of recognition of the need for an electricity rate system that takes into account regional conditions for power generation, consumption, and grid burdens."

Regarding the impact of renewable energy expansion on domestic industries, 83.8% had a positive outlook, and 62.9% said they would give priority to purchasing products from companies that have achieved RE100.

Ju-Su Lee, CEO of the Korea Energy Information Culture Agency, explained, "Through this survey, we have confirmed that the public recognizes renewable energy not simply as an eco-friendly policy, but as an essential factor for future industrial competitiveness, energy security, and the establishment of a stable electricity supply system."

The agency plans to conduct quarterly energy perception surveys in 2026. The main topics will be renewable energy in the first quarter, nuclear power in the second quarter, carbon neutrality in the third quarter, and overall energy policy in the fourth quarter.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.