​TVO maintains good reputation

The results of a poll that concerned the energy attitudes of Finnish people were reported at the end of 2013. Increased use of nuclear power was in the most recent poll carried out during the last months of 2013 supported by 33 percent and opposed by 29 percent of the respondents. According to 29 percent, the current level of nuclear power use is good, while 8 percent declined to express an opinion. The share of those who want to reduce nuclear power production was smaller than the year before. The poll was conducted for Finnish Energy Industries.

The survey that focused on matters important to TVO’s personnel and other stakeholders was implemented by means of a questionnaire targeted at decision-makers, advisors, government officials, experts, media representatives, non-governmental organisations and TVO’s shareholders. In 2013, opinions were for the first time invited also from the personnel and the shareholders to ensure that the results are as comprehensive and extensive as possible.

The results of the energy attitude poll and TVO’s stakeholder survey indicate that TVO’s stakeholders have a more favourable attitude towards claims related to nuclear power than Finnish people in general. Officials, experts and organisations display the most favourable attitudes. The general acceptance of nuclear power is good among TVO’s stakeholders, in some groups even excellent. The attitudes of the media towards nuclear power are more positive than before and getting closer to the attitudes of other stakeholders.

Concerns related to the production of nuclear energy, regardless of whether expressed by people who support or oppose nuclear power, include final disposal, nuclear waste and impact on future generations, as well as accidents and natural disasters.

Awareness of TVO slightly better

The results of the survey conducted with stakeholders shows that awareness of TVO’s operations has improved slightly, although the level of awareness is still no more than moderate. Awareness of TVO’s operations has improved particularly among political operators and representatives of various organisations. TVO is associated with a lot of positive images, particularly among government officials and experts. These two groups also expressed a more favourable evaluation of nuclear power than before.

Compared with earlier surveys, TVO has maintained an excellent reputation. TVO’s reputation is strongly based on its image of a good employer with competent personnel. The shareholders link TVO with attributes such as reliable, stable, certain, safe, responsible, and find TVO’s personnel, in particular, to be competent and professional. The replies of the employees emphasised TVO’s reliability, stability and responsibility, good image as an employer, but also impressions of conservativeness. Non-governmental organisations had the most critical attitude towards TVO of all the stakeholders.

TVO praised for sense of responsibility

According to the replies, TVO was given a good mark for responsibility, as it is generally considered to be a company that acts responsibly. The evaluation was significantly better than for listed companies on average.
In terms of responsibility, the most important aspect is a high level of nuclear safety. Secure production, good management of abnormal conditions as well as continuous development of operations are also, according to the respondents, highlighted in TVO’s operations. The safety of final disposal is also acknowledged. In addition to these factors, the personnel also values the development of their own professional skills and competence.

Personal contacts are important in reputation building

Reputation is based on the way that everybody at TVO works and acts and on how this is communicated to TVO’s stakeholders and to the public.

According to the survey, TVO’s communication is characterised by expertise and clarity. TVO has managed to respond to the needs of the media even better than before. The stakeholders appreciate visits to Olkiluoto, meetings where background information is provided, direct contacts and various other events, such as seminars for stakeholders. Communication is expected to be open, active and proactive. It is also hoped that TVO continues to provide opportunities for visits and organise various events.