The survey series was launched in 1983 at the University of Tampere, and was initially financed by the energy company Imatran Voima (later known as the Fortum Corporation). Finnish public opinion on energy policy issues was 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 were carried out by Yhdyskuntatutkimus and jointly produced by the Fortum Corporation (Imatran Voima until 1998) and Teollisuuden Voima (TVO). The Finnish Energy Industries (ET) was responsible for publishing the results from 2004 onwards. The data collection for this series has been finished, but the same themes are studied in the Finnish Energy Attitudes series.
The survey charted Finnish attitudes to energy production and energy strategy. The data are part of an extensive survey series launched in 1983. The respondents' conceptions, opinions, beliefs, assessments, attitudes and knowledge about various energy issues were studied by presenting several statements relating to energy production. Opinions on whether Finland should increase or decrease the use of certain energy sources (e.g. coal, peat, natural gas, nuclear power, water power, wind power, bioenergy) in electricity generation were investigated. Relating to information on the environmental impact, prices and risks of different energy sources, the respondents rated the reliability of a number information sources (e.g. government, various ministries, Greenpeace, other environmental groups, energy industries, researchers). The survey also carried a a number of statements relating to the electricity market in Finland, and the respondents were asked how close to their own views the statements were. Finally, opinions on the location of the planned new nuclear power plant were charted.
Background variables included the respondent's gender, age group, basic and vocational education, economic activity, size of municipality, region of residence, and which political party the respondent would vote for if the parliamentary elections were held at that time.
The questionnaire was sent to 3700 persons, aged 18-70, and randomly sampled from Finland's population register. Altogether, three separate samples were selected. The entire Finnish population, including both Swedish-speaking and Finnish-speaking persons but excluding the Åland Islands residents, was represented by a sample of 3000 persons. Two additional samples of 350 persons represented the inhabitants of Loviisa and Eurajoki.
The number of adequately completed questionnaires was 1315 and the total response rate was 35,5. Response rate varied somewhat between the samples: for the sample representing the entire Finnish population it was 36,3 %, for Loviisa 31,4 %, and for Eurajoki 33,1 %.