A new international poll, including almost 2,000 consumers in the US, Britian, Germany, the Neterlands, Australia & Japan, indicates that almost 70% would be willing to pay a premium for alternative "Green" energy alternatives. These options include wind energy & solar power. Americans indicated they would pay the highest premium for cleaner energy - 20 percent or more.
The poll was conducted by IBM Global Energy & Utilities Industry.
This survey indicates that consumers want to be more involved in the decision-making process regarding the energy they use, and to be more sensitive to price and environmental concerns.n addition, nearly half of the people questioned said they would pay more for environmentally-friendly products such as cleaning supplies and hybrid cars.
I have three "Green Built" homes listed in my area, each with a different type of construction, and all of which are being sold at a slight premium to the market due to the fact that it costs a bit more to construct. But, for instance, one of our listings is over 3100 sq ft and the owner indicates his largest electric bill has been $125/mo (it is an all-electric house), so there are tradeoffs. (Visit my website for more information on the listings - http://www.performancepropertygroup.com/index.cfm/fuseaction/realestate.property_category_detail/categoryid/B3B34DE2-C96E-4687-BEB4787FB3289E54
I personally have been participating for several years in the Austin Energy Program in which consumers pay a different rate in order to get their energy from renewable resources. It seems a small price to pay the upcharge in order to do my part in the fight against pollution and the conservation of fossil fuels. You can view more information about Austin Energy's Green Choice (R) program at
http://www.austinenergy.com/Energy%20Efficiency/Programs/Green%20Choice/index.htm
So, check out your local utility to see if they offer a program as well. It really doesn't cost that much more to help save our environment!
Sue
;)
Links;)
Tags (Tag Cloud);)
Archives
