Resource Type: Experiments

Views on grid-connected battery energy storage systems (BESS) are positive, but awareness is low: people are at an early stage of learning (and likely thinking) about this emerging technology, and over time opinions could potentially be swayed either way. Results from a national survey and a message test indicate no major opposition to BESS, and support is high after being informed about basic information, though there are some concerns about risks. When asked, people rate grid reliability as the most convincing reason for BESS, followed by its ability to support intermittent renewable energy; BESS’s positive impacts on local economies and lowering utility bills were also convincing. In testing, both high production value videos featuring testimonials from renewable energy workers as well as simpler graphic explainer videos were persuasive.

How do we accelerate climate action? This session provides you with the skills to motivate the public to accelerate climate action and reduce climate health risk. The goal of our virtual master class is to boost your outreach skills and accelerate climate action, using evidence-based behavioral science. This trans-disciplinary training includes short talks, exercises, and discussion. Expected outcomes are increased understanding of how to effectively apply behavior change to climate outreach. The presentations focus on the behavior science tools of Social norms, Social identify, Efficacy, Legacy motivation, and Framing for different audiences. View slides here.

Here’s the glimmer: we’re getting smarter on narrative & messaging too. Today we’re sharing highlights from what we’re learning about building support for clean energy programs with a key constituency: Rural America. With our partner [Resource Rural](https://resourcerural.org/), we set out to find out answers to some key questions: Are we telling effective stories about the role of federal investments in people’s lives? Is talking about the benefits of economic growth more effective than economic loss or stability?

This month, we’re bringing you a double feature that’s all about harnessing the power of storytelling to create change in today’s quickly changing landscape. Dive into updates from our panel session at RootsCamp 2025 and from our virtual training with SolarUnited and Generation 180.

Following our training “Powering Change: Telling Effective Stories to Build a Just, Inclusive, & Equitable Clean Energy Future,” this tip sheet offers practical guidance on using storytelling to promote equitable clean energy solutions.