Acceptance among residential electricity consumers regarding scenarios of a transformed energy system in Switzerland—a focus group study

The Swiss energy system will undergo successive restructuring in the next decades as a result of recent decisions in energy policy (Switzerland’s Energy Strategy 2050) and the expected second step in the market liberalization process (free choice of provider for small customers). This transformation will probably lead to the following trends: an increasing share of renewable energies, a shift from centralized to distributed generation and the emergence of new players in the energy market. Because of the associated integration of renewables, the grid will increasingly face problems of intermittent loads, the need to integrate smart information and communication technology, and mechanisms for demand-side management. However, these key elements of the future energy system also raise issues concerning social acceptance, as they tend to interfere with basic human needs like autonomy and privacy. Additionally, market liberalization may reshuffle existing customer utility relationships considerably. This focus group study contributes to understanding residential consumers’ attitudes and expectations regarding four scenarios of future utility/customer interactions in the Swiss electricity sector (dynamic tariffs, direct load control, energy storage and novel energy services). The findings show that as to acceptance of future scenarios, there are no “one-fit-for-all” solutions, as the needs of different consumer groups are very diverse. However, the analyses reveal that for acceptance of novel models of interaction, transparent communication and a trusted relationship are crucial. The discussion touches on practical implications for research, policymaking and electric utilities’ market strategies.