Patterns of Trust and Distrust in Energy System Transformation

Energy systems around the world are in transition. The need for renewable energy sources and – in some cases – devastating experiences with dangerous technologies has triggered public debate in favor of changing the dominant sociotechnical regimes of energy supply. In question are existing technological, organizational and governmental paradigms. We can observe a lack of trust in technology (nuclear power), in organization (technocracy of experts), and in processes of liberalization, as well as in non-transparent relations between governmental actors and private stakeholders. All of this influences the overall confidence attributed towards the energy domain.

However, we cannot assume that the result of this transformational process yields trust and confidence in the “new” system. In case of the German "Energiewende", a growing discomfort already leads to a lack of confidence in reliability and security and, partly, to doomsday scenarios of expected major breakdowns. People start to prepare for the worst case.

With reference to the visions and goals of system transformation we have to expect a qualitative change of the relationship between the general public and the energy system. Particularly in vogue are ideas of “smart” technologies (smart grid, smart markets, demand-side-management) in order to implement multiple alternative energy sources and to increase distribution efficiency. The transformation into smart grid energy systems now is likely to cause a shift of modes from confidence to (system) trust among consumers who are supposed to take a more active role as “prosumers” despite intransparent technologies and markets. Therefore, the sociological problem arises in a probable shift of disappointment attribution from external references (e.g. politics) to self-reference (own decision), making smart grids primarily a problem of increased choice between decision alternatives. This future outlook might entail the paradox experience with technology: A situation of empowered but distrusting users faced with uncertainty and decisional risk.