Energy transition, including the transition away from fossil fuels, is a difficult and complex process, particularly in emerging and developing economies. One of the key factors determining its effectiveness is the acceptance of its course and consequences by local communities. Taking into account these circumstances, as well as the ongoing period of profound energy sector transformation in Poland, the main objective of this article is to diagnose the perception of energy transition and assess the preparedness of local authorities for its consequences from the perspective of a representative sample of 1863 residents from 19 cities with county rights located in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin. The research was conducted in the second quarter of 2025. In analyzing the survey results, descriptive statistics, identification of interdependencies, and non-parametric statistical tests (Mann–Whitney U, Kruskal–Wallis, and Wilcoxon) were employed. The obtained results indicate relative acceptance of decarbonization; however, there is significantly lower support for closing hard-coal mines. Respondents rate the preparedness of local authorities for the consequences of hard-coal mining liquidation in the region as low. Moreover, they believe that the local labor market is better prepared for restructuring changes than the local governments of Silesian cities. The respondents’ answers differ primarily according to gender and education, although the identified relationships are neither obvious nor linear. Furthermore, the age of respondents only influences the perception of the necessity of closing hard-coal mines and the assessment of city authorities’ preparedness for the consequences of this process. The results of the conducted research contribute to the analysis of socio-economic processes accompanying energy transition and may be useful in conducting social consultations and communication and information activities, as well as in developing regional restructuring strategies.
Krzysztof Wodarski (Wed,) studied this question.