ENERGY OPINIONS BEFORE THE FLOOD

Most Americans Improving Energy Efficiency at Home; Fewer are knowledgeable about energy issues and sources of electrical power
March 22, 2011 (Harris Interactive)

"…Americans continue to discuss and consider alternative energy options and lifestyle changes amidst [rising oil prices and] a slow economic recovery. Six in ten (61%) Americans describe themselves as knowledgeable about energy issues, including sources of electrical power and energy efficiency [according to a February Harris Poll]. This is relatively unchanged [from 59%] since 2009…Energy knowledge varies by region and age with Americans in the East (67%) and West (64%) and those over the age of 65 (65%) most knowledgeable. Three-quarters of men (75%) say they are [so] knowledgeable…while less than half (47%) of women [do]…

"…When it comes to sources of energy, the public indicates that the benefits outweigh the risks for wind (75%) and solar power (77%). Natural gas (64%) and geothermal (52%) resonate as beneficial while there is less certainty about the benefits of nuclear (42%) and coal (38%). These views compare to 2009 when at least two-thirds of Americans said that when used, the benefits of solar (82%), wind (78%) and natural gas (66%) outweighed any associated risks…In 2009, two in five Americans (42%) said the risks of using coal outweighed the benefits while 36% believed the benefits outweighed the risks…[Those views have] not changed very much…[except that] 43% believe the risks outweigh the benefits…"

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"Nuclear power plant proposals, after a U.S. hiatus on new plant construction, have been surging. Less than half of Americans (42%) say the benefits outweigh the risks of nuclear energy while 21% are not at all sure and 37% say the risks outweigh the benefits…When asked about nuclear power plant waste, 69% of Americans agree that it is a national issue. Two in ten (22%) are not at all sure…

"…Eight in ten Americans (84%) say they turn off lights and appliances when not in use to conserve energy. Americans are also replacing incandescent bulbs with fluorescent bulbs (60%), using power strips (60%), using low-wattage bulbs (56%), purchasing Energy Star™ appliances (53%), and reducing hot water usage (51%). When it comes to more complex tasks such as weather stripping, sealing gaps and installation of products, the responses drop to between 29% and 38% for each behavior. Even fewer (11%) conduct home energy evaluations or audits and 5% say they engage in none of these activities…"

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"More than half of all Americans (56%) have not heard the term "smart grid," with more than six in ten women unfamiliar with it (66%, compared to 46% of men)…When asked whether or not "smart grid" will increase the use of solar, wind and other renewable sources, only 38% agree that it will while 55% are not at all sure. Likewise, six in ten Americans (60%) are not at all sure if "smart grid" will increase the cost of electricity-24% agree that it will…

"…Coal provides approximately half (49%) of electrical power production in the United States, is the most heavily used source of energy and is being subjected to a high degree of regulatory scrutiny. It is estimated that 16% of the existing U.S. coal plant will be shut down over the next five years because of the cost of regulatory compliance. The question is - what will replace coal[?]…This survey fielded prior to the recent Japanese earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear power plant issues…so it is unclear what effect the Japanese incident will have on American perceptions of nuclear power. But, this poll makes clear that Americans believe nuclear waste is a national issue to resolve…[and] there remains limited knowledge of many alternative energy sources…Significant room still exists to educate the public…"