Among the most important of the survey’s findings are that:
- 97 percent of respondents agree that affordable, reliable energy is important for Northeastern families and businesses.
- 92 percent agree that maintaining and delivering adequate supplies of affordable fuels is necessary for consumers and businesses.
- 88 percent that having sufficient supplies of natural gas is important in keeping electricity and home heating affordable and reliable.
The polling was done to examine how much support energy infrastructure and pipelines have throughout the U.S. Northeast, home to several very high-profile public debates and other key energy issues among voters – and what role each or all could play in the 2018 elections.
Other key findings from this poll include:
- 81 percent support “ensuring the Northeastern U.S. has enough energy capacity to meet the demand for electricity.”
- 74 percent agree that “a balanced mix of renewables, natural gas, and nuclear is important to keep electricity affordable and reliable.”
- 76 percent support “generating electricity using natural gas and fuels.”
- 70 percent recognize that electricity prices are higher in the Northeast than the rest of the country.
- 58 percent approve of “expanding pipelines to deliver transportation fuels for consumers and markets.”
- This poll’s findings closely mirror what CEA found in a similar poll last summer in Massachusetts.
“Northeastern governors, legislators, and regulators should pay close attention to these results. Despite what you are hearing from the loudest anti-energy voices, the vast majority across New England and New York want a rational, balanced debate that protects, maintains, and grows steady supplies of affordable and reliable energy made possible by pipelines,” CEA President David Holt said. “Families, small businesses, and manufacturers in these states are struggling with exorbitant electric rates and need vital pipeline infrastructure to protect their livelihoods and keep the economy moving.”
The poll found that 86 percent of voters in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New York say energy will be important in how they vote in next year’s election cycle.
There is one area of concern: Per the poll’s findings, there’s an apparent disconnect or lack of understanding from respondents as to how pipelines and other related energy infrastructure impact fuel and electricity prices. Only 6 percent of respondents identified a lack of pipeline infrastructure as a key driver in the region’s high electric rates.