Public views utilities as part of the climate change problem

Utility companies are currently viewed as more a part of the problem of climate change than the solution, according to a poll carried out for Utility Week.

The survey carried out by Harris Interactive, found a public sceptical that net-zero emissions could be achieved, but widespread support for onshore wind farms and encouraging signs for the transition to hydrogen gas for heating.

Worryingly, 47 per cent of those polled saw utility companies as part of the climate change problem, compared to 32 per cent who thought they were an element of the solution. One fifth of the 1,022 people surveyed by Harris were undecided.

Those interested in environmental issues were more likely to view utility companies more favourably as part of the solution.

The research, carried out in the middle of June of a cross section of age groups, revealed that climate change and other environmental matters are currently topics of interest for the public, with 82 per cent citing an interest in environmental issues.

Support for the UK’s 2050 zero emissions target was high, with 78 per cent stating they were supportive of such a policy.

Support was significantly higher amongst the 18-34s (86 per cent) and those interested in environmental issues (86 per cent).

The majority of respondents (89 per cent) said they were happy to make changes with regards to their energy and water consumption in order to support the zero emissions policy, yet only 38 per cent of these would consider making significant changes. Half felt they could make smaller changes in order to support the UK’s policy.

Younger respondents were significantly more likely to take up bigger, more significant changes whilst the over 55s would only commit to smaller changes.

However, again pointing to the need for a high-profile education exercise, a third of those surveyed found it surprising that the UK had significant water shortages.

Just over one quarter would be happy to pay more on top of their current energy bills if it meant the UK could meet the 2050 zero-emissions target. Again, this was significantly higher amongst younger respondents and those interested in environmental issues. The results potentially support the view of the regulators who want to keep bills for consumers down even though some water and energy firms are arguing that they need to invest more to tackle climate change, which may be passed on to bills.

In terms of supporting renewables, 78 per cent were happy for new onshore wind farms – the lowest cost form of renewable energy –  to be created in order to help the UK meet its zero emissions target, which should add weight to those in the industry who are trying to get government to relax its policy of directing all new offshore wind in England offshore.

However, there was not the same support for nuclear power stations to help meet the net zero target, where only 43 per cent were happy for new ones to be built. This figure was higher for men than women, at 55 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

Move to decarbonise heat

One of the biggest challenges the UK faces on the road to net zero carbon is the decarbonisation of heat. Our survey results suggested that there is a strong foundation of support from switching from gas boilers to hydrogen, but understandably a great deal of education will be needed.

Of people currently using gas central heating, 62 per cent said they would be willing to replace it with alternative technology within the next ten years if it was shown this would support the UK’s net-zero target.

One in four said they would be willing to have hydrogen-powered central heating installed in their homes, rising to 57 per cent if they had more information about it.

An in-depth feature on the full findings of the Harris poll will soon be available on the Utility Week website as a special report.