August 16th, 2009
Most Americans support energy infrastructure overhaul
OK, we’ve established that pretty much every high-tech vendor is IN LOVE with the Smart Grid, because of the billions of potential spending associated with it. So, what does the average energy consumer think? Aka, you and me.
A new survey that was conducted jointly by PR firm Burson-Marsteller and research firm Penn, Schoen & Berland Associates finds that seven out of every 10 Americans supports government initiatives to improve the energy infrastructure and develop alternative energy sources. About 57 percent of the respondents believe that the nation’s electrical grid needs significant upgrades over the next five years in order to handle increased demand and the growing hunger for energy efficiency. The poll, which covered more than 1,000 Americans, carries a margin of error of +/- 2.95 percent at the 95 percent confidence level.
Aside from the finding I already mentioned, the survey found that the majority of respondents are willing to pay up to 15 percent for electricity per month (or about $18) for electricity that comes form alternative energy sources. BUT most of them believe that alternative energy carries a differential of way more than 15 percent: The survey found most Americans believe electricity from alternative sources will cost them at least 50 percent more.
Smart grid technology companies take note: The average respondent indicated that they would be willing to pay a one-time fee of $50 for the equipment necessary to help build out the smart grid and other green technology solutions that will help them better manage their electricity consumption.
The entire presentation, the 2009 Green power Progress Survey: A Study of Consumer Demand for Green Power Infrastructure, can found at this link.
Heather Clancy is an award-winning business journalist in the New York area with more than 20 years experience covering the high-tech industry. See her full profile and disclosure of her industry affiliations. See her full profile and disclosure of her industry affiliations.
Subscribe to GreenTech Pastures via Email alerts or RSS.
