Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust

1

Massachusetts Renewable Energy Trust 650
Telephone Interviews 500 Statewide Over samples
(N 50 each) Cape,Berkshires,Pioneer Valley 3.8
February 2002
2
When I mention renewable energy/green power, what
specifically comes to mind?
Renewable Green Solar 15
5 Natural/Reusable/Alt. energy
7 9 Wind 8 3 Recycling
9 2 Oil/Gas/Fossil
fuels 8 1 Nuclear power
4 -- Trees/Wood 3
4 Help/Clean environment 1
8 Other 6 7 Dont know
32 42
Q5
3
Do you favor or oppose the increased use of
renewable energy?
Q6
4
Have you seen, heard, or read anything recently
about consumer aggregation?
Q8
5
Several organizations in Massachusetts are
planning to organize consumer aggregation groups,
or buying co-ops, to purchase Green Power more
cheaply. Do you favor or oppose this idea?
Q9
6
Please tell me how likely you would be to
purchase Green Power through the following
organizations.
Likelihood Ratio Your current electric
utility 3.23 A non-profit environmental
organization 3.04 A non-profit community
organization 2.87 Your city or town
government 2.28 The Cape Light Compact 2.00 A
private energy company 1.60 A local credit
union 0.60 A religious organization 0.31
Q10-17
7
Would you be willing to pay somewhat more each
month for renewable energy/green power?
Q35
8
How much more would you be willing to pay each
month if 100 of your electricity was produced
from renewable energy/green power?
21
21
17
16
12
10
8
8
9
2
2
2
Q36 If yes to Q35
9
How much more would you be willing to pay each
month if 50 of your electricity was produced
from renewable energy/green power?
Q37 If yes to Q35
10
How much more would you be willing to pay each
month if 10 of your electricity was produced
from renewable energy/green power?
Q38 If yes to Q35
11
Do you favor or oppose the increased use of
renewable energy? (pre and post argument)
Q6 Q32
12
If the extra amount you paid for Green Power
could be deducted from your federal and state
incomes taxes as a charitable donationsaving you
up to 45would you be more inclined to pay
extra on your monthly electric bill for Green
Power?
Q39
13
The Bottom Line

• There is a lack of awareness among the general
  public in Massachusetts regarding renewable
  energy consumer aggregation.
• Despite this lack of awareness, there is
  overwhelming support for the concept of
  increasing the use of renewable energy.
• The intensity of consumers support for
  renewable energy is susceptible to erosion after
  they are exposed to potential negative messages
  although overall support remains extremely high.
•  
• Despite this drop in strong favorability, more
  than half of all Massachusetts consumers would be
  willing to pay extra for renewable energy.