What to do NC. voters agree? Pure energy

Candidates at the federal, state and local levels in this fall’s elections should keep this in mind as they seek to attract the independent voters whose support they will need to win.

A new 2024 North Carolina energy survey conducted for Conservatives for Clean Energy NC and the national Clean Energy Buyers Association shows that among the state’s likely fall voters:

• More than 77% want more energy competition and more choice for consumers. This includes 79% of Republican voters, 77% of unaffiliated voters and 77% of Democratic voters. Ideologically, it includes 75% of self-identified conservative voters, 82% of moderate voters and 78% of liberal voters.
• Nearly 80% believe the state should modernize its regulations to allow for greater competition with Duke Energy to meet our state’s future energy needs. This includes 79% of Republican voters, 80% of unaffiliated voters and 80% of Democratic voters. Ideologically, it includes 77% of self-identified conservative voters, 84% of moderate voters and 83% of liberal voters.
• About 77% believe state law should require Duke Energy to join the regional wholesale energy market if it would save North Carolina residents and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars annually, as independent research suggests. Meanwhile, 62% of voters believe the state should explore potential savings.
• More than 61% support building offshore wind turbines, up from 55% last year. Support increased to about 66% when they were told that private investment in wind energy would attract or that the turbines would be located at least 30 km from shore.
• Overall, 74% believe state law should encourage more investment in renewable energy.

A random telephone poll of 600 likely voters in the North Carolina general election has a statistical accuracy of +/- 4% with a 95% confidence interval. The poll was conducted May 20-22 on behalf of Raleigh-based Republican political consulting firm Strategic Partners Solutions. The striking survey results are consistent with those of similar surveys conducted across the state over the past decade.

The study shows that both Republican and Democratic candidates are likely to appeal to key unaffiliated swing voters – particularly those who are ideologically moderate or lean conservative – by emphasizing the significant economic and lifestyle benefits of clean energy. For them, it’s not about saving the planet. It’s about making their lives, those of their families and friends, better now and in the future.

It seems that it is impossible to convince three out of four people in America today that the sky is blue. And yet, a new poll shows, more than three-quarters of North Carolina voters support sensible energy reforms that would give consumers more choice while saving families and businesses hundreds of millions of dollars a year – a message that has elected officials across the state should hear loud and clear.

As demand for electricity increases in North Carolina, we need all the energy sources available. Using clean energy is politically pragmatic and economically important, not just environmentally beneficial. Come election time, clean energy will be a powerful and winning issue.