Issue: Utilities

This post includes climate and environment headlines, data points, and key takeaways from recent public polls – including a new international sustainability poll from POLITICO and Morning Consult, findings about the public’s reactions to different terms for methane gas, and state-level polls in Indiana, Maryland, and Wisconsin.­

Energy insecurity is prevalent among low-income households in the U.S. More than 28% of low-income households surveyed recently reported being unable to pay their energy bill, and nearly 20% received a disconnection notice. Black and Hispanic households experience higher levels of energy insecurity: from November 2021 through January 2022, almost 40% of Hispanic respondents and more than 26% of Black respondents were not able to pay an energy bill. Energy insecurity is especially widespread among households with children. Households often forgo other basic household needs to pay their energy bills. To cope with the expense of energy, households often adjust the temperature in their homes to uncomfortable levels and accumulate utility debt.

Indiana residents strongly favor renewable energy and net metering policies. 74% favor expanding the use of renewable energy after learning that “less than 10% of Indiana’s energy is generated by renewable sources” (including 63% of Republicans and 95% of Democrats). 75% favor net metering policies after hearing a brief description of the program (including 74% of Republicans and 84% of Democrats). Vast majorities would rather expand net metering as compared to ending it. 76% believe climate change is a threat (including 97% of Democrats and 60% of Republicans).

Are you currently in a campaign against a utility to guarantee a clean energy future for your community? Do you plan on launching one soon? If so, join the Energy Democracy Project and the Climate Advocacy Lab as they unveil to you EDP’s People’s Utility Justice Playbook, a new resource that will be your indispensable guide to understanding how utilities play dirty and how you can fight back. This webinar will be part workshop to train you on how to use the Playbook in your advocacy, and part networking opportunity to meet and learn from other folks engaged in utility-related fights around the country.

Majorities of likely voters support the climate investment and tax incentives of Build Back Better. 70% of all likely voters support investments to make homes, buildings, and schools more energy efficiency (86% support among Democrats, 54% among Republians). 67% support investments in clean energy research. 65% support tax credits for clean energy projects. 63% support clean energy performance incentives for utilities. 62% support investments in frontline communities. 57% support creating a Civilian Climate Corps. 57% support investments to make electric vehicles more affordable. 54% support phasing out coal, oil, and gas.