This survey series studies Finnish public opinion on energy policy issues. The series was launched in 1983 at the University of Tampere, and was initially financed by the energy company Imatran Voima Oy (later known as the Fortum Corporation). Attitudes towards energy policy issues are studied by annual mail surveys. Comparative data allow detailed empirical analysis and systematic follow-up of citizen perceptions, opinions, beliefs, knowledge, values, and attitudes on these matters.
The surveys are jointly funded by the Fortum Corporation (Imatran Voima Oy until 1998) and Teollisuuden Voima Oy (TVO), and have been carried out by Yhdyskuntatutkimus Oy since 1994. The results are published by Energiateollisuus Ry (ET), the Association of Finnish Energy Industries.
The survey charted Finnish attitudes to energy policy. The data are part of an extensive survey series launched in 1983. Respondents' conceptions, opinions, beliefs, assessments, attitudes and knowledge about various energy issues were studied by presenting several statements relating to energy production. Furthermore, respondents evaluated whether a merger between Neste and Imatran Voima would be beneficial. Opinions on the likelihood of the exceptionally hot summer in Finland being caused by the greenhouse effect were charted. Respondents were also asked in what direction electric power production should be developed in Finland.
Background variables included respondents' sex, age, region of residence, occupational group, basic and vocational education, political party preference and number of inhabitants in respondents' municipality of residence.
Simple random sampling. The questionnaire was sent to 3750 persons, aged 18-70 and randomly sampled from Finland's population register. Altogether, six separate samples were selected. The entire Finnish population, including both Swedish-speaking and Finnish-speaking persons but excluding the Åland Islands citizens, was represented by a group of 2500 persons. Five additional samples of 250 persons represented the municipalities of Loviisa, Eurajoki , Kuhmo, Kannonkoski, and Äänekoski. The number of adequately completed questionnaires was 1735 and the total response rate was 46,3. Response rate varied somewhat between the samples: for the sample representing the entire Finnish population it was 39,7 %, for Loviisa 55,2 %, for Eurajoki 52 %, for Kuhmo 66,8 %, for Kannonkoski 66 % and Äänekoski 57,2 %.