[BETA] Fortnightly

According to a telephone survey commissioned by the National Council on Competition and the Electric Industry, consumers are happy with their electric suppliers, but want the companies to improve their environmental records.

Many of the 1,307 adults surveyed also would like to see electricity prices improved. Two-thirds, in fact, think prices are too high.

Nearly all consumers (96 percent) feel it's important that electric companies be environmentally responsible. Some 92 percent say that preserving the environment is important, even if it costs more. Furthermore, the public expects electric companies to care about the amount of:

• Air pollution they create (86 percent);

• Water pollution they create (86 percent);

• Renewable resources (78 percent); and

• Nuclear waste they create (85 percent).

Yet just over half (52 percent) of consumers feel that global warming is a real concern.

Most believe pollution created during electricity production is relatively small. Some 72 percent agree, at least somewhat, that other sources of pollution are greater.

Consumers believe electric companies alone cannot protect the environment; they need the assistance and encouragement of the government. Nearly all consumers (89 percent) believe the government has an important role in protecting the environment. Consumers are split, however (49 percent to 49 percent), over whether government should regulate the industry.

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