EMF the process of dialogue
- Cambridge Reports/Research International, MA (United States)
Although a complete understanding of EMF is still to come, some things are already clear. First, more scientific research is an indispensable need. Second, opinion research is necessary to uncover customers' understanding of the issues involved, their concerns, and their needs and preferences for EMF information. And third, as the issue impinges on more aspects of an electric utility's activities, the company must continue to maintain a constructive response to the concerns of its customers. In the face of the scientific uncertainty about EMF and the diversity of customer concerns and understanding about the issue, utilities may be tempted to do nothing or merely give [open quotes]the scientific facts[close quotes] and be done with it. But the overriding [open quotes]fact[close quotes] about EMF is that many people continue to have questions. Given this, utilities cannot tell their customers not to worry: Some are worried and concerned. The challenge for utilities is to acknowledge public awareness and concern about EMF and promote a process of dialogue with customers on the EMF issue. The [open quotes]process[close quotes] and the [open quotes]dialogue[close quotes] are both critical. Dialogue means talking-back and forth-and listening to customers with sympathy and respect for their feelings as well as their factual understanding. Process emphasized the ongoing relationship between the utility and its stakeholders, a relationship that is established through the utility's EMF activities and communications.
- OSTI ID:
- 6478729
- Journal Information:
- Electric Perspectives; (United States), Journal Name: Electric Perspectives; (United States) Vol. 17:3; ISSN ELPED9; ISSN 0364-474X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
296000* -- Energy Planning & Policy-- Electric Power
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
DISEASES
ELECTRIC UTILITIES
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE
EPRI
IMMUNE SYSTEM DISEASES
LAWS
LEUKEMIA
NEOPLASMS
POWER TRANSMISSION LINES
PUBLIC OPINION
PUBLIC RELATIONS
PUBLIC UTILITIES
US ENERGY POLICY AND CONSERVATION ACT