More than two-thirds of residential energy consumers say they’re unwilling to spend more time or money on so-called “sustainable” energy actions, results of a new global survey reveal.
The results of a three-year study of nearly one hundred thousand consumers, conducted by professional services firm EY and detailed in its “Energy transition consumer insights report,” suggest that people largely don’t want – and can’t afford – the expensive, fledgling energy schemes being pushed by left-wing ideologues:
- 70% are unwilling to spend more time or money of energy “sustainability” actions.
- Two-thirds aren’t planning to invest in new energy products, such as rooftop solar or electric vehicles (EVs), over the next three years
- Less than one in five (18%) would adopt new energy products and services if they were easier to purchase and install.
More than half (55%) say they’re either skeptical of sustainability and energy providers (15%), not interested and just want easy solutions (23%) or are in need of energy solutions better suited to their specific situation (17%).
“Affordability pressures are likely behind much of the resistance to do more,” the report says, noting that two-thirds (67%) of consumers say they can’t absorb an energy bill increase of 10% and fewer than one in three (30%) are confident that their energy will remain affordable. What’s more, 77% of consumers say they want their energy provider to offer low-cost energy options alongside high-end products and services.
“There is a rising disconnect between government and policy focus areas and consumer engagement,” the report explains.
Government efforts to force consumers to replace their gas boilers to electric heat pumps is cited as one example. Despite government bullying, only 11% of consumers say a heat pump is their first choice of investment in energy products and services planned over the next three years.
“Consumer fatigue is setting in, stalling confidence and stagnating progress,” the report adds, offering another reason for consumers’ disinterest.