March  2015
Lori  Weigel
#15113

+   550  telephone  interviews  (cell  and  landline)  with  registered   voters  in  the  state  of  Michigan.
+   Interviews  conducted  March  5-­‐9,  2015.
+   StaAsAcally  valid  sample  with  margin  of  sampling  error  +  4.2%  at   the  95%  confidence  interval  for  the  total  sample.
+   Interviews  were  distributed  proporAonally  by  county  and  each   sample  is  demographically  representaAve  of  its  electorate.
+   Comparisons  made  to  December  2013  statewide  survey.

Michigan  voters  increasingly  want  the  state   to  use  more  wind  and  solar.
2013   2015   D/S
Wind  Power
Solar  Power
Natural  Gas
Hydropower
Nuclear
Coal
*  CombinaAon  of  Top  Two  Responses
Which  one  of  the  following  sources  of  energy  would  you  want  to   ENCOURAGE   the  use  of  here  in  Michigan?   And  which  would  you  NEXT   most  want  to  encourage  the  use  of?
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 4

And  they  conGnue  to  say  the  state  should  discourage  the   use  of  coal,  followed  by  nuclear.
2013   2015   D/S
Coal
Nuclear
Wind  Power
Natural  Gas
Solar  Power
Hydropower
*  CombinaAon  of  Top  Two  Responses
Which  one  of  the  following  sources  of  energy  would  you  want  to   DISCOURAGE   the  use  of  here  in  Michigan?   And  which  would  you  NEXT   most  want  to  encourage  the  use  of?
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 5

The  overwhelming  majority  of  voters  say  renewable  energy  is   reliable  and  should  be  a  significant  part  of  the  energy  supply.
Strongly  Agree
Total  Agree
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 6

Four-­‐in-­‐five  Michigan  voters  support  the  current     renewable  energy  standard.
As you may know, the law in Michigan required major electric utilities to increase their use of renewable energy like wind and solar to 10 percent – a standard the state will achieve by the end of this year.
Generally, do you support or oppose Michigan having this law?
81%
53%
Strongly
+66
15%
4%
Total  Support   Total  Oppose   Don't  Know
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 7

Even  more  voters  support  a  higher  standard  of  20%  by  2022.
Strongly  Support
Ensure  Michigan’s  electric  uGliGes   conGnue  to  transiGon  away  from   coal  by  requiring  that  at  least  20   percent  of  our  electricity  come  from   renewable  energy  sources  such  as   wind,  solar,  and  hydropower  energy   by  the  year  2022.
Total  Support
Now,  the  State  Legislature  is  considering  a  number  of  different  energy-­‐related  proposals.  For  each  one,  please  tell  me  if  that  is  something   you  support  or  oppose.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 8

Support  for  this  standard  is  significant  throughout  the  state.
ConAnuaAon  Towards  Renewable  Energy  By  Media  Market
Flint
Strongly  Support   48%
Total  Support   86%
Rest of State
Strongly  Support   51%
Total  Support   73%
Grand Rapids
Strongly  Support   60%
Total  Support   88%
Detroit
Strongly  Support   66%
Total  Support   85%
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 9

Women  –  including  GOP  women  –  are  strongly  supporGve  of   a  20%  renewable  energy  standard.
ConAnuaAon  Towards  Renewable  Energy  By  Gender  and  GOP/Gender
89%
77%
80%
64%
Strongly
60%
55%
Strongly
35%
Strongly
45%
Strongly
Men
(48%)
Women
(52%)
Republican  Men
(17%)
Total  Support
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015
Republican  Women
(17%)
SLIDE 10

That  said,  respondents  told  us  that  if  it  were  up  to  them,  they   would  set  the  renewable  standard  even  higher…
62%
+5
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 11

More  than  three-­‐quarters  also  support  using  tax  policy  to   encourage  greater  renewable  energy  producGon.
Strongly  Support
Providing  tax  incenGves  to   encourage  electric  uGliGes  to   transiGon  away  from  coal  and   ensure  more  of  our  electricity   comes  from  renewable  energy   sources  such  as  wind,  solar,  and   hydropower  energy.
Total  Support
Now,  the  State  Legislature  is  considering  a  number  of  different  energy-­‐related  proposals.  For  each  one,  please  tell  me  if  that  is  something   you  support  or  oppose.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 12

MajoriGes  across  the  parGsan  spectrum  support  both  of   these  proposals  to  ensure  the  transiGon  to  clean  energy.
Energy  Proposals  By  Party  (Total  Support)
Ensure  Michigan’s  electric  uGliGes  conGnue  to   transiGon  away  from  coal  by  requiring  that  at   least  20  percent  of  our  electricity  come  from   renewable  energy  sources  such  as  wind,  solar,  and   hydropower  energy  by  the  year  2022.
Republican   Independent   Democrat
Providing  tax  incenGves  to  encourage  electric   uGliGes  to  transiGon  away  from  coal  and  ensure   more  of  our  electricity  comes  from  renewable   energy  sources  such  as  wind,  solar,  and   hydropower  energy.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 13

Voters  are  almost  twice  as  likely  to  say  that  the  transiGon   to  clean  energy  ought  to  be  something  that  uGliGes  are   required  to  comply  with  under  certain  deadlines.
62%
33%
And  in  order  to  transiAon  to  more  clean  energy,  do  you  think  it  would  be  beVer  to…
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 14

More  than  three-­‐quarters  support  the  current  efficiency   program,  including  the  fee  that  funds  it.
Similarly, there is a law that requires Michigan’s utilities to provide more programs through which customers can reduce energy waste and make energy efficiency upgrades to their homes and businesses. The program has been financed since 2008 through a fee on every electricity bill that averages one dollar and fifty cents per month for most residents.
Generally, do you support or oppose this law?
77%
+57
40%
Strongly
20%
2%
Total  Support   Total  Oppose   Don't  Know
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 16

An  expansion  of  this  program  is  embraced  by  nine-­‐in-­‐ten.
Strongly  Support
Expand  programs  through   which  customers  can  reduce   energy  waste  and  affordably   make  energy  efficiency   upgrades  to  their  homes  and   businesses.
Total  Support
Now,  the  State  Legislature  is  considering  a  number  of  different  energy-­‐related  proposals.  For  each  one,  please  tell  me  if  that  is  something   you  support  or  oppose.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 17

Support  is  overwhelming  everywhere  in  the  state.
Energy  Efficient  Upgrades  By  Media  Market
Flint
Strongly  Support   49%
Total  Support   91%
Rest of State
Strongly  Support   55%
Total  Support   87%
Grand Rapids
Strongly  Support   57%
Total  Support   88%
Detroit
Strongly  Support   64%
Total  Support   91%
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 18

Support  is  very  strong  across  the  parGsan  spectrum.
85%
Energy  Efficient  Upgrades  By  Party
87%
95%
68%
Strongly
51%
Strongly
56%
Strongly
Republicans
(34%)
Independents
(24%)
Total  Support
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015
Democrats
(40%)
SLIDE 19

Two-­‐thirds  say  that  energy  policies  to  increase  renewable   energy  use  and  efficiency  will  create  new  jobs  in  the  state.
Increasing  the  Use  of  Renewable  Energy  Sources
+57
66%
Increasing  Energy  Efficiency  Projects
+62
64%
19%
9%
2%
Create  new  jobs   Cost  jobs   Not  affect  jobs
And  which  of  the  following  comes  closer  to  your  point  of  view…
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015
29%
SLIDE 20

Almost  all  of  the  electorate  agrees  that  Michigan  is  well   suited  to  take  economic  advantage  of  these  energy  policies.
Strongly  Agree   Total  Agree
Energy  efficiency  just  makes  sense.  It   reduces  air  polluGon,  and  creates  a   strong  market  for  Michigan  -­‐made   products  like  energy  efficient   windows,  insulaGon,  and  appliances.
Expanding  our  use  of  clean  energy   will  build  upon  our  manufacturing   strength,  talent  and  know  -­‐how,   and  will  allow  us  to  retool  our   factories,  encourage  innovaGon,  and   put  Michigan  workers  back  on  the   job.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 21

Voters  predict  reduced  energy  costs  if  these  policies  are  in   place,  parGcularly  from  energy  efficiency  efforts.
Increasing  the  Use  of  Clean,  Renewable  Energy
Sources  Like  Wind,  Solar  and  Hydropower
Energy  Efficiency  Projects  Like  Weatherizing  and
InsulaAng  Buildings  and  Upgrading  Appliances   and  Windows  in  Homes  and  Businesses
+23 +62
73%
48%
25%
21%
11%   12%
Reduce  long-­‐term  energy  costs   Increase  long-­‐term  energy  costs   Not  affect  long-­‐term  energy  costs
And  which  of  the  following  comes  closer  to  your  point  of  view…
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 22

That’s  because  voters  in  focus  groups  tell  us  that  energy   efficiency  is  familiar  and  something  they  have  done  in  their   own  homes,  with  reduced  energy  bills  as  a  result.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 23

One  of  the  raGonales  for  why  voters  say  efficiency  programs   should  be  expanded  is  clearly  because  they  would  like  to   personally  access  the  benefits  of  the  program.
Strongly  Agree
I  would  be  very  interested  in   taking  advantage  of   incenGves  to  weatherize  my   home  and  make  it  more   energy  efficient.
Total  Agree
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 24

Voters  place  jobs  first  -­‐  and  costs  at  the  bojom  -­‐  of   prioriGes  for  state  leaders  to  consider  when  formulaGng     state  energy  policy.
Most  Important
Priority
CreaGng  Michigan  jobs
Reducing  polluGon  and  improving  public  health
Using  more  Michigan-­‐made  energy  resources  in  our  state
Reining  in  increases  in  energy  costs
As  you  may  know,  state  leaders  are  currently  looking  at  various  proposals  regarding  energy  here  in  Michigan.  Which  of  the  following  do   you  think  is  the  most  important  priority  for  them  to  consider  for  the  state’s  energy  policy?
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 26

Voters  very  strongly  agree  that  these  energy  policies  will   reduce  polluGon  and  result  in  bejer  public  health.
Strongly  Agree
TransiGoning  to  clean  energy   sources  and  being  more  energy   efficient  will  give  us  cleaner  air,   reduce  polluGon  going  into  the
Great  Lakes  and  our  local  water   supply,  reduce  asthma  and  lung   disease,  and  ulGmately  save  lives.
would  be  very  interested  in   taking  advantage  of  incenGves  to   weatherize  my  home  and  make  it   more  energy  efficient.
Total  Agree
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 27

Nearly  one-­‐in-­‐three  Michiganders  say  they  or  someone  in   their  immediate  family  live  with  a  lung  ailment  –  they  are   far  more  focused  on  polluGon  as  a  priority  for  state  leaders.
Most  Important  Priority  By  Respiratory  Problems
Reducing  polluGon  and   improving  public  health
%
CreaGng  Michigan  jobs
Using  more  Michigan-­‐made   energy  resources  in  our  state
Reining  in  increases  in  energy  costs
Do  you  or  does  anyone  in  your  immediate  family  suffer  from  asthma,  lung  disease,  or  other  respiratory  problems?
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 28

Michigan  voters  believe  we  have  a  moral  responsibility  to   make  these  changes  in  energy  policy.
Strongly  Agree   Total  Agree
We  all  have  a  responsibility  to   use  only  what  we  need  and   reduce  energy  waste.
We  have  a  moral  responsibility   to  future  generaGons  to   conGnue  to  transiGon  to   cleaner  sources  of  energy  and   reduce  our  energy  waste.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 29

So  it  is  not  surprising  that  an  elected  official’s  posiGon  on   energy  can  be  a  powerful  vote  moGvator  –  either  for  or   against  that  individual.
Elected  Official  PosiAon  Ranked  By  More  Likely   More  Likely   Less  Likely
Supports  more  use  of  clean,  renewable  energy   such  as  wind,  solar  and  hydropower.
Wants  to  roll  back  state  laws  and  stop  requiring   uGliGes  to  use  more  clean  energy  and  increase   energy  efficiency.
Wants  to  conGnue  to  rely  on  tradiGonal  sources  of   energy  in  Michigan,  like  imported  coal.
Thinking  about  some  different  posiAons  elected  officials  might  take  related  to  energy  –  For  each  of  the  following,  please  tell  me  if  an   elected  official  taking  that  posiAon  would  make  you  more  likely  or  less  likely  to  vote  for  that  candidate,  or  would  it  not  make  a  difference   in  your  vote  decision?
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 30

In  order  to  ensure  that  these  views  would  sustain  the  rigors   of  a  public  debate,  we  simulated  some  of  the  give  and  take   which  could  occur  over  energy  policy  to  assess  which  side  is   more  compelling  for  voters.
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 31

By  greater  than  a  two-­‐to-­‐one  margin,  voters  side  with   supporters  over  opponents  in  this  mock    debate.
Supporters  say  that  Michigan  should  conGnue  to  be  a   leader  and  transiGon  away  from  coal  and  toward   cleaner  energy  and  energy  efficiency.  We  will  reduce   polluGon,  reduce  energy  costs  for  Michigan  families   and  businesses,  increase  clean  energy  jobs,  and  retool   our  manufacturing.
Opponents  say  that  we  should  not  have  government   picking  energy  winners  and  losers.  Renewable  energy   should  compete  with  fossil  fuels  in  the  free  market   rather  than  be  mandated  by  the  state.
69%
29%
Let  me  read  you  two  viewpoints  and  please  tell  me  which  one  comes  closer  to  your  view  about  Michigan’s  energy  policies…
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 32

The  same  is  true  for  a  different  objecGon  to  the  transiGon   to  renewable  energy  and  efficiency.
Supporters  say  that  Michigan  should  conGnue  to  be  a   leader  and  transiGon  away  from  coal  and  toward   cleaner  energy  and  energy  efficiency.  We  will  reduce   polluGon,  reduce  energy  costs  for  Michigan  families   and  businesses,  increase  clean  energy  jobs,  and  retool   our  manufacturing.
Opponents  say  that  renewable  energy  is  fine,  but  we   have  done  enough.  If  we  push  this  too  far  with  an   unrealisGc  mandate  we  will  hurt  uGliGes,  Michigan   businesses,  and  cost  our  state  jobs.
70%
26%
Let  me  read  you  two  viewpoints  and  please  tell  me  which  one  comes  closer  to  your  view  about  Michigan’s  energy  policies…
Michigan Clean Energy Survey – MARCH 2015 SLIDE 33

+   The  survey  clearly  demonstrates  the  overwhelmingly  posiAve  regard
Michigan  voters  hold  for  renewable  energy,  their  strong  desire  to  have   the  state  to  transiAon  to  those  sources  and  away  from  tradiAonal   fuels,  and  their  willingness  to  embrace  policies  which  require  this   transiAon.
+   The  state’s  electorate  is  even  more  enthusiasAc  about  energy   efficiency  and  nearly  all  voters  support  current  programs  even  when   the  fee  associated  with  them  is  pointed  out,  and  support  expanding   them.
+   Moreover,  Michigan  voters  are  more  likely  to  vote  for  elected  officials   who  support  these  policies,  and  less  likely  to  vote  for  those  who  back   the  status  quo  or  roll  backs  of  current  requirements.
+   These  views  are  grounded  in  their  strong  sense  that  these  policies  will   create  jobs  and  reduce  long-­‐term  energy  costs.    They  say  these   changes  are  a  moral  responsibility  to  future  generaAons.

Office: (303) 433-4424