NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 

Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Consumer Attitudes About 

Renewable Energy: Trends 

and Regional Differences 

Natural Marketing Institute

Harleysville, Pennsylvania

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-6A20-50988

April 2011
NREL is a national laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Energy 

Efficiency & Renewable Energy, operated by the Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLC.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory

1617 Cole Boulevard

Golden, Colorado 80401

303-275-3000 • www.nrel.gov

Contract No. DE-AC36-08GO28308

Consumer Attitudes About 

Renewable Energy: Trends 

and Regional Differences 

Natural Marketing Institute

Harleysville, Pennsylvania

NREL Technical Monitors: Lori Bird and Jenny Sumner

Prepared under Subcontract No. AGG-1-11880-01 

Subcontract Report

NREL/SR-6A20-50988

April 2011
This publication received minimal editorial review at NREL.

NOTICE

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express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of 

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or favoring by the United States government or any agency thereof. The views and opinions of authors 

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iii

Acknowledgments

This paper was authored by Gwynne Rogers at Natural Marketing Institute, an international 

strategic consulting, market research, and business development company specializing in the 

health, wellness, and sustainability marketplace. 

This work was funded by the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) Office of Energy Efficiency 

and Renewable Energy (EERE). Lori Bird and Jenny Sumner of NREL served as technical 

monitors. The author wishes to thank Linda Silverman and the EERE technology programs for 

their support of this work. The author also wishes to thank Blaine Collison of the U.S. 

Environmental Protection Agency; Heidi Eggert of the Bonneville Environmental Foundation; 

Bridgett Neely of Green Mountain Energy; Orrin Cook, Jennifer Martin, and Alex Pennock of 

the Center for Resource Solutions; and Lynn Billman, Gail Mosey, and Robin Newmark of 

NREL for their thoughtful review of the document, as well as Sheri Anstedt for her editorial 

support. 
iv

Executive Summary

Significant Results, Trends, and Regional Differences

The data in this report are taken from Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI) Lifestyles of Health 

and Sustainability (LOHAS) Consumer Trends Database®

Based on this analysis, NMI found the following: 

. Created in 2002, the syndicated 

consumer database contains responses from 2,000 to 4,000 nationally representative U.S. adults 

(meaning the demographics of the sample are consistent with U.S. Census findings) each year. 

A sample of 2,000 has a confidence interval of +/-2.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence 

level, which decreases to +/- 1.2 percentage points with 4,000 respondents. NMI used the 

database to analyze consumer attitudes and behavior related to renewable energy and to update 

previously conducted related research. Specifically, this report will explore consumer awareness, 

concerns, perceived benefits, knowledge of purchase options, and usage of renewable energy as 

well as provide regional comparisons and trends over time. 

• The majority of consumers (80%) indicated that they care about the use of renewable 

energy. However, concern has diminished slightly over time, which is consistent with 

other broad environmental consumer attitudes (such as concerns related to environmental 

protection or sustainable agriculture). 

• Consumers primarily associate renewable energy with environmental benefits, despite the 

other potential benefits renewable energy has to offer and the recent efforts to broaden its 

appeal. 

• Consumer awareness of renewable energy purchase options remains relatively low, with 

approximately one in six consumers aware of the green power options provided by their 

electric suppliers, although approximately half of consumers have options available to 

them. 

• Consumers are more price sensitive for renewable energy than in the past, mirroring an 

increased price sensitivity NMI has observed across the green consumer landscape.

• Despite the common perception, there are few differences in consumer attitudes across 

regions. However, consumers in the West are more aware of renewable energy

terminology, such as renewable power and carbon footprint. In addition, Western 

consumers, compared to Midwestern consumers, are more aware of their purchase 

options, are less price sensitive, and are more likely to have already purchased at least 

some type of renewable energy. 

• Seven percent of the adult population reports buying at least some renewable energy for 

their home. According to similar research, this is a significantly lower percentage than 

the proportion of the population that cares about renewable energy and a higher 

percentage than penetration rates reported by utilities and marketers that offer renewable 

energy options to consumers. 

• Opportunities exist for continued market growth in renewable energy as indicated by the 

differential between concern and usage and declining premiums. However, the modest 

awareness levels of renewable energy options are a challenge.
v 

Table of Contents

List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................ vi

List of Tables .............................................................................................................................................. vi

1 Introduction........................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Project Background and Objective ......................................................................................1

1.2 U.S. LOHAS Consumer Trends Database Research Methodology .....................................2

2 Consumer Perceptions of Renewable Energy................................................................................... 4

2.1 Consumer Awareness of Renewable-energy-related Terminology, Trended ......................4

2.2 Consumer Awareness of Renewable-energy-related Terminology, by Region ...................5

2.3 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy, Trended .............................................6

2.4 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy in the Context of Other 

Environmental Attitudes ......................................................................................................7

2.5 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy, by Region ..........................................8

2.6 Perceived Benefits of Renewable Power, Trended ..............................................................9

3 Consumer Purchasing of Renewable Energy.................................................................................. 10

3.1 Consumer Awareness of Renewable Power Purchase Options, Trended ..........................10

3.2 Consumer Price Sensitivity for Renewable Energy, Trended ...........................................12

3.3 Consumer Price Sensitivity for Renewable Energy, by Region ........................................13

3.4 Consumer Stated Purchase of at Least Some of Their Household Power from Renewable 

Sources Over the Past Two Years ......................................................................................14

4 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................................... 16

References................................................................................................................................................. 18

Appendix A. Full Survey Question Text.................................................................................................. 19
vi 

List of Figures

Figure 1. In Q.14, percent of the general population indicating awareness of renewable-energyrelated terminology ....................................................................................................... 4

Figure 2. In Q.9, percent of the general population indicating that they agree completely or 

agree completely/somewhat with the statement, “I care about use of renewable energy 

sources” ......................................................................................................................... 6

Figure 3. In Q.9, percent CAGR among the general population indicating that they agree 

completely/somewhat with the statement, “I care about...” ......................................... 7

Figure 4. In Q.9, percent of the general population, by region, indicating that they agree 

completely or agree completely/somewhat with the statement, “I care about use of 

renewable energy sources” ........................................................................................... 8

Figure 5. In Q.123, percent of the general population indicating their response to the question, 

“I believe the most important benefit of renewable power is that it’s...” .................... 9

Figure 6. In Q.122, percent of the general population indicating their choice of renewable 

power purchase options ............................................................................................... 10

Figure 7. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, indicating their renewable 

power purchase options ............................................................................................... 11

Figure 8. In Q.122, percent of the general population indicating their price sensitivity regarding 

renewable energy (trended); Q31, percent of the general population agreeing with 

each statement ............................................................................................................. 12

Figure 9. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, stating that they would spend 

$5–$20 extra each month ($5–$10 prior to 2009) to have some of their household 

power come from a renewable source ........................................................................ 13

Figure 10. In Q.122, percent of the general population stating that they currently buy at least 

some of their household power from a renewable source ........................................... 14

Figure 11. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, stating that they currently buy 

at least some of their household power from a renewable source .............................. 15

Figure 12. Summary of consumer interest in renewable energy (2010 data) ............................... 16

List of Tables

Table 1. Report Categories by Geographic Region ....................................................................... 3

Table 2. In Q.14, Percent of the General Population, By Region, Indicating Awareness of 

Renewable-energy-related Terminology ......................................................................... 5
1 

1 Introduction

1.1 Project Background and Objective

The voluntary renewable energy market has grown considerably since its inception in the 1990s. 

In 2009, more than 30 million MWh of renewable energy were sold in the voluntary market, a 

nearly four-fold increase compared to 2005 and almost equal to the amount of new renewables 

required to meet 2009 state renewable portfolio standards. 

Renewable energy is available to consumers in three forms: (1) utility green pricing programs 

offered in regulated states, (2) competitive retail electricity products in deregulated or 

competitive markets, and (3) renewable energy certificates (RECs) purchased in over-the-counter 

transactions or through independent REC marketers. 

Customer participation in utility green pricing programs and competitive market programs has 

increased over the years, though penetration rates remain low. More than 1.4 million consumers 

purchase green power through their utility or retail electricity provider or in the REC market, 

with the vast majority (99%) of consumers purchasing through their utility or retail electricity 

provider. However, in 2009, the average participation rate among utility green pricing programs 

was 2.0%, while penetration rates in competitive markets ranged from 1.7% to 2.5%. The top 10 

programs in 2009 had participation rates ranging from 5.1% to 20.8%. (Bird and Sumner 2010) 

The objective of this report is to explore trends in consumer interest and awareness of renewable 

energy options through analysis of historical and regional survey data. Specifically, the report 

provides a historical and regional analysis of consumer responses to questions that indicate how 

much people care about renewable energy sources, how aware they are of options to buy 

renewable energy, their willingness to pay for renewable energy, and their opinions on the 

benefits of renewable energy. Only the renewable energy data are summarized here, provided by 

Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI’s) Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS)

Consumer Trends Database, a survey instrument conducted annually since 2002 that covers a 

broad range of environmental issues. 

This report also provides an update to previously conducted research on consumer attitudes 

regarding renewable energy. Earlier consumer market research revealed consumer interest in 

supporting renewable energy. For example, utility market research on consumer preferences 

found that 52%–95% of residential consumers were willing to pay at least a modest amount ($3–

$10) for renewable energy on a monthly basis (Farhar 1999). Deliberative polling of Texas 

electricity consumers also found that the median willingness to pay among consumers in various 

utility territories ranged from $1.50 to $6.50 per month (Lehr et al. 2003). In addition, a 2007 

Opinion Research Corporation poll found similar results to 2007 NMI data regarding familiarity 

with the term renewable energy, awareness of purchasing options, and purchase rates.1

 

1 The Opinion Research Corporation 2007 poll found that 55% of consumers were either very or somewhat familiar 

with the term renewable energy. The poll also found that 16% of consumers were aware of a renewable energy 

purchase option through their utility company or electricity supplier. Of those consumers who were aware of an 

option to purchase, 29% reported that they did in fact purchase renewable energy through their utility company or 

electricity supplier.

 
2 

The updated data on consumer attitudes and awareness presented here are useful for utilities or 

marketers engaged in the voluntary renewable energy market. The data on trends and regional 

differences in attitudes towards renewable energy may also be useful for policymakers, 

stakeholders, and the renewable energy industry as a whole. 

1.2 U.S. LOHAS Consumer Trends Database Research Methodology

1.2.1 Survey Scope 

LOHAS describes the consumers and organizations that put health and sustainability first and 

foremost in their lives. NMI first designed the LOHAS Consumer Trends Database in 2002 to 

measure and describe the marketplace for LOHAS products and services within the total U.S. 

population, the consumers who use them, consumer expectations of corporate behavior, and 

attitudes toward environmental and social issues. Particular attention is paid to consumer 

attitudes, behaviors, psychographics, lifestyle activities, and product and service usage patterns 

in order to provide the information needed to capitalize on growing sustainability and corporate 

responsibility initiatives. Renewable energy has been included since the beginning of the 

research. 

1.2.2 Data Collection 

Undertaken by NMI on behalf of its sponsor clients, the 2010 research was conducted in July via 

an online survey of 4,000 U.S. general population adults. Survey participants included those who 

had opted in to a panel as well as a demographically balanced, random subset of the panel. As 

respondents completed the survey, additional sample data were sent to provide balance 

demographics for any groups that were underrepresented at that point. To correct for any minor 

variations in the sample’s demographic characteristics and the population as a whole, the data 

have been post-weighted to match multiple U.S. Census demographic measures. No individual 

respondent’s weighting factor is greater than three or less than 0.3. The study utilized a leading 

online research firm and was designed, managed, and analyzed by NMI. The text of the 

questions used in this report is included in Appendix A. 

1.2.3 Statistical Significance 

The results of this survey are nationally projectable to the U.S. adult population and statistically 

valid at the 95% confidence level +/- 1.2%. Throughout this report, capital letters indicate 

statistically significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level using t-tests. The 

t-tests reflect the probability that the difference in two numbers being compared is not due to 

sampling error. In regional charts and graphs, each region is assigned a letter as a short-hand 

code. A significant regional difference is noted on the region with the higher value by 

referencing the capital letter of the region with the lower value. 

1.2.4 Geographic Division 

This report includes analyses by geographic region. The regions are defined in Table 1 and are 

consistent with industry and market research standards.
3 

Table 1. Report Categories by Geographic Region

• Connecticut

Northeast

• Delaware

• District of Columbia

• Maine

• Massachusetts

• New Hampshire

• New Jersey

• New York

• Pennsylvania

• Rhode Island

• Vermont

• West Virginia

• Illinois

Midwest

• Indiana

• Iowa

• Kansas

• Michigan

• Minnesota

• Missouri

• Nebraska

• North Dakota

• Ohio

• South Dakota

• Wisconsin

• Alabama

South

• Arkansas

• Florida

• Georgia

• Kentucky

• Louisiana

• Maryland

• Mississippi

• North Carolina

• Oklahoma

• South Carolina

• Tennessee

• Texas

• Virginia

• Alaska

West

• Arizona

• California

• Colorado

• Hawaii

• Idaho

• Montana

• Nevada

• New Mexico

• Oregon

• Utah

• Washington

• Wyoming
4 

2 Consumer Perceptions of Renewable Energy

2.1 Consumer Awareness of Renewable-energy-related Terminology, Trended

Figure 1. In Q.14, percent of the general population indicating awareness of renewable-energyrelated terminology

*% Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) 2008–20102

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

Generating market interest in renewable energy starts with raising awareness of commonly used 

terms. Since NMI began measuring awareness of renewable power in 2008, at least two-thirds 

of consumers have been aware of the term, with a statistically higher number in 2010 (as shown 

in Figure 1). In the same timeframe, consumer awareness of carbon-related terminology has 

increased more rapidly. The awareness of the term carbon footprint has grown particularly 

quickly, up 24% annually since 2007, with most of the growth between 2007 and 2008, when 

media coverage of this issue was more prevalent, especially in the Northeast and West where 

there are established carbon regulations (i.e., RGGI in the East and Western Climate Initiative in 

California). As newer terms, and those commonly used by the media, many consumers have 

latched onto them. 

The term carbon offset has not seen the same dramatic increase in awareness as carbon footprint

and is still below the 2007 carbon footprint awareness level. While the two terms may be clearly 

linked within the business community, the same cannot be said of consumers. While carbon 

footprints are commonly discussed in consumer media, specifically when talking about how to 

 

2 Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) is reported throughout this document. The CAGR reports growth from the 

first year to the most current year as if annual rates had changed at a steady rate and thus reduces the effects of yearto-year fluctuations. 

38%

57%

69%

73%

66%

73%

71%

23%

30%

34% 36%

2007 2008 2009 2010

Carbon footprint

Renewable power

+16% Carbon offset

+4%*

+24%

% CAGR:

‘07- ‘10
5 

reduce a carbon footprint, reports often refer to energy efficiency and conservation, use of 

renewable energy, and carbon offsets, among other approaches. Since carbon offsets are just one 

of the approaches to manage a carbon footprint, it could explain why awareness of this term is 

lower. 

Interestingly, the term carbon footprint has overtaken the term renewable power in awareness. 

Since the term renewable power has been used for decades, it is remarkable that carbon footprint 

has eclipsed it after just a few years. While more consumers may be aware of specific types of 

renewable energy, such as solar and wind (85% of consumers were aware of wind energy in 

2009, for instance), perhaps the umbrella term is not as well known. Therefore, communicators 

in this field need to be mindful of consumer familiarity with these terms in their publications.

As a comparison, 85% of consumers are aware of the term “biodegradable” (the highest scoring 

term measured) and 60% are aware of the term “sustainability.” Awareness of both renewable 

power and carbon footprint, therefore, is comparable to other green industry terms. Of course, 

awareness is not the same as understanding. While awareness is a starting point, presumably 

fewer understand the terms. Ensuring accurate understanding is also important to generating 

interest in the marketplace.

2.2 Consumer Awareness of Renewable-energy-related Terminology, by Region

Table 2. In Q.14, Percent of the General Population, By Region, Indicating Awareness of Renewableenergy-related Terminology 

Northeast

(A)

Midwest

(B)

South

(C)

West

(D)

Carbon footprint 74% 71% 70% 78%

Renewable power

BC

68% 71% 70% 78%

Carbon offset

ABC

33% 34% 34% 44%ABC

Note: Capital letters indicate significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level. For 

example, we are 95% confident that consumers in the West are more aware of “carbon footprint” than 

consumers in the Midwest (B) and South (C). 

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Table 2, consumers on the West Coast are significantly more aware of these three 

terms than consumers in other regions who have statistically equivalent awareness. West Coast 

residents are often thought to be more attuned to environmental issues than consumers elsewhere 

in the country. However, even in the West, nearly one-quarter of the population is unaware of the 

term renewable power.
6 

2.3 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy, Trended

 

Figure 2. In Q.9, percent of the general population indicating that they agree completely or agree 

completely/somewhat

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

with the statement, “I care about use of renewable energy sources”

According to Figure 2, a strong majority of consumers care about renewable energy, ranging 

from about 80% to 90% over the survey period. Slightly fewer consumers care about using 

renewable energy now than they did in 2002, down 1% annually over the nine-year horizon. This

decline has come primarily from the people who agree completely (down 3% annually), meaning 

that there is an absolute decline and a decline in intensity. 

Note that more consumers report concern about use of renewable energy than are aware of the 

term renewable power. There are a few possible explanations for this apparent disconnect. First, 

the terms renewable energy and renewable power have subtle but important differences.3

Second, the question format may affect response; for example, the awareness question asked 

respondents to check all they were aware of, whereas this question uses a five-point Likert scale 

format. A question using with a Likert scale asks respondents to answer using a scale (in this 

case, from “agree completely” to “disagree completely”), which is more appropriate for a 

question about concern or caring and also elicits a more thoughtful response. 

As shown in Figure 3, concerns about other broad-based environmental issues have also 

experienced this decline. While the decline may seem ironic during a decade that saw significant 

growth in renewable energy development and considerable expansion in the number of green 

products on the market, the trends may actually be related. The increased development and 

availability of renewable energy may indicate to consumers that the associated environmental 

 

3 Renewable energy is a little broader than power, and there are forms of renewable energy that do not generate 

electricity, such as solar hot water. 

89% 90% 89% 87% 84% 83% 82% 79% 80%

56% 56% 57% 51% 50%

44% 47%

41% 43%

2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

Agree completely or agree somewhat (net) Agree completely
7 

problems have been solved, or are at least being addressed, which may allay their concerns.

However, the data between 2009 and 2010 are stable, which could signal the end of the decline. 

2.4 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy in the Context of Other 

Environmental Attitudes

Figure 3. In Q.9, percent CAGR among the general population indicating that they agree 

completely/somewhat with the statement, “I care about...” 

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As mentioned above, and displayed in Figure 3, other broad-based environmental attitudes have 

declined since NMI started measuring these attitudes in 2002, and the change in renewable 

energy is consistent with the other changes. 

In addition to product proliferation potentially affecting consumer concerns, the overall level of 

discourse may be leading consumers to think that there is less reason for concern. Environmental 

issues are in the mainstream news frequently, and it would be reasonable for consumers to 

believe that with all of the discussion that conditions are actually improving, or are at least being 

addressed.

As consumer concerns appear to be diminishing, consumers are also doing more than ever to 

help the environment. More consumers are buying green products, for example, usage of 

compact fluorescent lighting (CFL) is up 15% annually since 2003 and the purchase of organic 

foods is up 6% annually in the same time frame. In addition, more than three times as many 

consumers take their own reusable bags to the store and almost twice as many say they avoid 

product brands with practices they do not agree with, among dozens of other behavioral changes. 

It is somewhat unusual for attitudes to decline while behaviors grow; however, many of these 

behaviors have become less burdensome for consumers, which is probably contributing to their 

rise.

83% 80%

72%

-9.3% -9.6% -9.0%

Protecting the environment Use of renewable energy 

sources

Sustainable agricultural 

practices

General Population

Total Change '02-'10
8 

2.5 Consumer Caring About Using Renewable Energy, by Region

Figure 4. In Q.9, percent of the general population, by region, indicating that they agree 

completely or agree completely/somewhat

Capital letters indicate significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level

with the statement, “I care about use of renewable 

energy sources”

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Figure 4, unlike awareness of renewable energy terminology, wherein consumers in 

the West had the highest awareness, consumers in the Northeast are slightly more likely to care 

about the use of renewable energy sources, particularly in comparison to consumers in the South. 

The difference between consumers in the Northeast and consumers in the South is significant at 

the 95% confidence level. Even with the Northeastern region’s slight lead over the rest of the 

country, the concern for renewable energy is nearly equal across regions.

82%C 81% 78% 81%

45% 42% 42% 44%

Northeast Midwest South West

Agree completely or somewhat (net) Agree completely

(A) (B) (C) (D)
9 

2.6 Perceived Benefits of Renewable Power, Trended

Figure 5. In Q.123, percent of the general population indicating their response to the question, “I 

believe the most important benefit of renewable power is that it’s...”

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

This question asks consumers to pick a single, primary benefit of renewable power, though all of 

the choices could be seen as benefits. A stable plurality of consumers associate renewable power 

primarily with environmental benefits, as indicated in Figure 5. Other benefits are much less 

likely to be cited as the primary benefit, even those benefits that have recently been touted 

heavily, namely the economic benefits. The economic benefits are actually on a downward 

decline, by almost 50% from their 2007 level (a statistically significant decline). Following the 

trend of earlier data, few differences are evident by region, though the South is slightly more 

likely to associate renewable power with economic benefits than the Midwest. 

One strategy to grow renewable energy usage beyond its current level (7%) would be to better 

promote the health and economic benefits, since this would widen the target audience, and it is 

easier to reposition a product to be relevant to consumers than it is to convince them of its 

relevance. As Figure 5 shows, the messaging related to health and economic benefits has not yet 

been effective; changing these perceptions would require very persuasive educational campaigns. 

In addition, to achieve further market growth, research is needed to better understand whether 

these benefits are not believable, not as important, or if there are other barriers to consumer 

acceptance. 

46% 46% 46%

24%

27%

24%

8% 8%

10%

13%

10%

8%

2008 2009 2010

Better for the 

environment than 

regular power

A source of energy from 

the United States

Better for human health 

than regular power

Better for the economy 

than regular power -25%

+16%

+1%

0%

% CAGR: 

'08-'10
10 

3 Consumer Purchasing of Renewable Energy

3.1 Consumer Awareness of Renewable Power Purchase Options, Trended

Figure 6. In Q.122, percent of the general population indicating their choice of renewable power 

purchase options

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As depicted in Figure 6, approximately one in six adults know that they have the option to buy 

renewable power, either from their electric company or another provider. Consumers are much 

more likely to know they can get renewable power from their current electric provider since they 

are existing customers and receive regular communications with their monthly bills. Compared 

to the findings reported by NREL (Bird and Sumner 2010), the 14% of consumers who know 

they can buy renewable power through their utility or another company is considerably less than 

those who actually can (more than 50% of consumers have the option to purchase some type of 

green power product directly from a retail electricity provider, while all consumers have the 

option to buy RECs. 

Compared to 2006, there has been little change in consumer awareness of purchase options, 

despite a peak in 2008 that did not last. Providers may have pulled back on promotions, 

assuming that in the height of the recession consumers had other priorities for their discretionary 

spending. There appears to be a bit of a correction in that, however, between 2009 and 2010. 

Because electricity is such a low involvement category, meaning that consumers do not 

deliberate this decision extensively (if at all) or experience any consequences of their decision, 

these low figures are not surprising.4

 

4 The quintessential high involvement category is a car or a house, where the purchase decision is very involved and 

impacts daily life. Consumer packaged goods are also a much more involved category because consumers have a 

Nevertheless, there is a wide gulf between the number of 

12%

15%

17%

15% 14%

9%

12%

14%

11% 12%

6%

9%

10%

7%

8%

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

I have the option to buy from 

electric or other company 

(net)

I have the option to buy 

renewable power from my 

electric company

I have the option to buy 

renewable power from 

someone other than my 

current electric company

+8%

+6%

% CAGR:

'06-'10

+6%
11 

consumers who reportedly care about renewable energy and those who know they can buy it (let 

alone those who actually do, which will be covered later in this report). If voluntary purchases 

are to be important to growing the renewable energy market, consumers obviously need to know 

they have the option of putting their money where their values are.

Figure 7. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, indicating their renewable power 

purchase options

Capital letters indicate significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Figure 7, there are regional variations in consumer awareness of renewable power 

purchase options—above and beyond most other regional differences examined in this report. 

Midwestern consumers are least likely to know of their options, while those on the coasts are 

more aware. Northeastern consumers, where retail competition exists and several alternative 

providers operate, are relatively more aware of both options, and the most aware of buying from 

an alternate supplier. In fact, this is the only region where equal numbers of consumers recognize 

that they have the option of buying from either type of supplier. 

The most striking difference is in Texas, where one-quarter of consumers are aware of renewable 

power purchase options. The Texas market is one of the most competitive in the United States, 

with dozens of options for consumers to choose from, and Texans are most aware of their 

 more personal interaction with them (e.g., ingesting food or putting the product on the body), and the purchase cycle 

is rapid, meaning they are making these decisions on a weekly basis or even more often. 

12%B

8%

12%B

14%B

25%

13%BCD

4%

8%B

7%B

18%

Northeast (A) Midwest (B) South 

(C)

West 

(D)

Texas

I have the option to buy 

renewable power from my 

electric company

I have the option to buy 

renewable power from 

someone other than my current 

electric company
12 

alternatives. It is also important to note that without Texas, the awareness figures for the South 

would be significantly lower. 

3.2 Consumer Price Sensitivity for Renewable Energy, Trended

Figure 8. In Q.122, percent of the general population indicating their price sensitivity regarding 

renewable energy (trended); Q31, percent of the general population agreeing with each statement

*$5–$10 prior to 2009 

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

According to Figure 8, consumer price sensitivity for renewable energy has increased over the 

past five years, in conjunction with overall increased price sensitivity for other green products, as 

well as the overall consumer marketplace. The change between 2006 and 2010 reveals a 9% 

annual decline in the number of consumers willing to spend between $5 and $20 more on 

renewable energy for their home.

In comparison to other green products, price sensitivity is actually lower for renewable energy. 

In 2010, 16% of the population reports that they would pay 20% more for products made in an 

environmentally-friendly and sustainable way, whereas one-quarter will pay $5–$20 more each 

month for renewable energy, which covers the premium in many cases.

These figures actually far exceed the number of consumers who indicated that they currently buy 

renewable energy (7%). While not everyone who says that they will pay more for renewable 

energy will follow through on those actions, it still suggests that there is room for market 

expansion. 

54%

61%

69% 68% 69%

38% 35%

31%

26% 26%

28% 30%

17% 15% 16%

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010

I care about the environment, but 

my purchase is determined mainly 

by price (agree 

completely/somewhat)

Yes, I would spend $5-$20* extra 

each month to have some of my 

power for my home come from a 

renewable source 

I am willing to pay 20% more for 

products which are made in an 

environmentally friendly and 

sustainable way (agree 

completely/somewhat)
13 

3.3 Consumer Price Sensitivity for Renewable Energy, by Region

Figure 9. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, stating that they would spend $5–

$20 extra each month ($5–$10 prior to 2009) to have some of their household power come from a 

renewable source 

*$5–$10 prior to 2009

Note: Capital letters indicate significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Figure 9, West Coast consumers are less price sensitive than those consumers in the 

eastern regions and statistically less price sensitive than those in the Midwest. While these data 

may suggest that renewable energy marketers could charge more in the West than elsewhere in 

the country, it may also suggest that this region has higher market potential. 

25%

23%

25%

29%B

Northeast (A) Midwest (B) South (C) West (D)

Yes, I would spend $5-

$20* extra each month to 

have some of my power 

for my home come from a 

renewable source 
14 

3.4 Consumer Stated Purchase of at Least Some of Their Household Power from 

Renewable Sources Over the Past Two Years

Figure 10. In Q.122, percent of the general population stating that they currently buy at least some 

of their household power from a renewable source 

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Figure 10, 7% of the population reports that they buy at least some of their 

household power from a renewable source. This is significantly higher than the percentage of 

consumers who participate in programs offered by consumer utilities and competitive marketers

(approximately 1% of households). However, survey data may include individuals who know 

that renewable energy is part of the grid’s mix in their service territory, who have solar-powered 

garden lights, solar water heating, solar electric systems, or other on-site renewable energy 

systems. 

As other studies have found, this percentage is far below the portion of the population who care 

about renewable energy or who would pay more for it. Importantly, it is not that different from 

the percentage of people who know that they have the option to buy renewable energy. Simply 

providing consumers with greater awareness of their purchase options may be the most important 

factor in growing the renewable energy market. 

Usage of other “green” market products may be helpful for comparative purposes (though the 

purchase process for these products is quite different than that for renewable energy). For 

example, one-quarter of the population has purchased a natural cleaning product, nearly 50% 

have purchased a CFL, and 30% have purchased rechargeable batteries in the past year. 

6%

7%

2009 2010

Yes, I currently buy at least some of the power for my home from 

a renewable source
15 

Figure 11. In Q.122, percent of the general population, by region, stating that they currently buy

at least some of their household power from a renewable source

Capital letters indicate significant differences between regions at the 95% confidence level

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

As shown in Figure 11, Midwestern survey data indicates that consumers in this region are 

statistically less engaged than those in the West, with just 5% stating that they buy some of their 

power from a renewable source. This is not surprising, since the consumers in this region are the 

most price sensitive and the least aware of their purchase options. 

7%

5%

7%

8%B

Northeast (A) Midwest (B) South (C) West (D)

Yes, I currently buy at least some of the power for my home from a 

renewable source
16 

4 Conclusion

Overall, consumers have a high degree of awareness and concern for renewable energy, but few 

are aware of their purchase options or follow through on their stated concern, as indicated in 

Figure 12. 

Figure 12. Summary of consumer interest in renewable energy (2010 data)

Source: 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends Database

Major findings of this report include the following:

• Concern about renewable energy is quite high, with 80% of the general population caring 

completely or somewhat about the use of renewable energy sources. Although concern 

has decreased from 89% in 2002, such decline is consistent with a general decline in 

caring about environmental attributes, such as protecting the environment and sustainable 

agricultural practices.

• Consumers continue to believe that the most important benefit of renewable energy is 

that it is better for the environment than regular power, although some consumers believe 

that the most important benefits are domestic sourcing and to a lesser extent human 

health or economic benefits. 

• Consumer awareness is a challenge for utilities or companies providing renewable energy 

options to consumers. Despite a modest increase in consumer awareness, only 14% of 

consumers were aware of renewable energy purchase options in 2010. In addition, 

consumer willingness to pay more for renewable energy has declined in recent years.

• Despite the common perception that there are regional differences in attitudes about 

renewable energy, these data generally do not demonstrate strong regional differences, 

although the following differences do exist:

71% 80%

14%

7%

Aware of the term 

"renewable power"

Care about the use of 

renewable energy 

sources

I have the option to buy 

renewable power (net)

I currently buy at least 

some of my home's 

power from a renewable 

source
17 

o Consumers in the West are more aware of the terms carbon footprint, renewable 

power, and carbon offset than consumers in other regions who have equivalent 

awareness. Consumers in the West are also less price sensitive than consumers in 

other regions and are more likely to report buying at least some of their household 

power from renewable sources.

o Consumers in the Midwest are the least likely to be aware of their renewable 

power purchase options, while consumers in Texas and the Northeast, where retail 

competition exists and multiple alternative providers operate, are most aware of 

renewable energy purchase options. 

Given low levels of product awareness, and that half of consumers who are aware of options to 

buy renewables do say they purchase renewables, these data suggest further opportunity for 

market growth in this sector, particularly if heightened consumer awareness can be achieved. 
18 

References 

Bird, L.; Sumner, J. (September 2010). Green Power Marketing in the United State: A Status 

Report (2009 Data). NREL/TP-6A20-49403. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, 69 pp.

Farhar, B. (July 1999).Willingness to Pay for Renewable Electricity: A Review of Utility Market 

Research. Topical Issues Brief. NREL/TP-550-26148. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy 

Laboratory, 28 pp. 

Lehr, R.L.; Guild, W.; Thomas, D.L.; Swezey, B.G. (June 2003). Listening to Customers: How 

Deliberative Polling Helped Build 1,000 MW of New Renewable Energy Projects in Texas.

NREL/TP-620-33177. Golden, CO: National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 27 pp. 

Natural Marketing Institute. (2002-2010). Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability (LOHAS) 

Consumer Trends Database. Harleysville, PA. 
19 

Appendix A. Full Survey Question Text

The questions reported in this paper appeared as follows in the 2010 LOHAS Consumer Trends 

Database. In some cases, other measures were included in the survey but not reported here, and 

those measures are not listed below.

9. Please indicate your level of agreement or disagreement with the following statements in 

terms of your own personal beliefs. Please select one rating for each statement. [randomize]

I care about....

Agree 

Completely

Agree 

Somewhat

Neither 

Agree 

Nor 

Disagree

Disagree 

Somewhat

Disagree 

Completely

Don’t 

Understand/ 

Never Heard 

Of

a. Protecting the 

environment

b. Sustainable 

agricultural 

practices

c. Use of 

renewable 

energy 

sources

14. Which of the following terms are you aware of? Please select all that apply. [randomize]

1. Biodegradable 

2. Carbon footprint 

3. Carbon offset 

4. Sustainability

31. Thinking about how products are made and sold, please indicate your level of agreement or 

disagreement with the following statements in terms of how they affect your purchasing

When it comes to purchasing 

products or services...

of 

products. Please select one rating for each statement. [randomize]

Agree 

Completely

Agree 

Somewhat

Neither 

Agree Nor 

Disagree

Disagree 

Somewhat

Disagree 

Completely

a. I am willing to pay 20% 

more for products which 

are made in an 

environmentally friendly 

and sustainable way.

b. I care about the 

environment, but my 

purchase is determined 

mainly by price. 

63. Which of the following types

1. Compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

 of products have you or someone in your household purchased 

in the past 12 months? Please select all that apply. 
20 

117. Please indicate the frequency with which you do the following: Please check one for each. 

[randomize]

Daily Weekly Monthly Less Than 

Monthly Never

a. Not buy products from a brand or 

company that has practices I don’t 

like

b. Take my own bag to the grocery store 

or other stores I shop frequently

122. For the purposes of this survey, “renewable power” means electricity supplied from 

renewable energy sources, like wind and solar power. These energy sources are considered 

renewable sources because they are continuously replenished on the Earth. Renewable power 

can be used in exactly the same way as regular power. Please select one response for each of the 

following. [randomize]

Yes No Don’t 

Know

a. I have the option to buy renewable power from my electric/utility 

company.

b. I have the option to buy renewable power from someone other than 

my current electric/utility company.

c. I would spend $5–$20 extra each month to have some of the power 

for my home come from a renewable source.

d. I currently buy at least some of the power for my home from a 

renewable source.

123. What do you think is the most important benefit of renewable power? Please select one. 

[randomize]

1. Better for the environment than regular power 

2. A source of energy from the United States 

3. Better for human health than regular power 

4. Better for the economy than regular power 

5. None of the above [anchor] 
F1146-E(10/2008) 

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1. REPORT DATE (DD-MM-YYYY)

April 2011

2. REPORT TYPE

Subcontract Report

3. DATES COVERED (From - To)

 

4. TITLE AND SUBTITLE

Consumer Attitudes About Renewable Energy: Trends and Regional 

Differences

5a. CONTRACT NUMBER

DE-AC36-08GO28308

5b. GRANT NUMBER

5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER

6. AUTHOR(S)

Natural Marketing Institute

5d. PROJECT NUMBER

NREL/SR-6A20-50988

5e. TASK NUMBER

SAO9.3102

5f. WORK UNIT NUMBER

7. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME(S) AND ADDRESS(ES)

Natural Marketing Institute

272 Ruth Road

Harleysville, PA 19438

8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION

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AGG-1-11880-01

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National Renewable Energy Laboratory

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10. SPONSOR/MONITOR'S ACRONYM(S)

NREL

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National Technical Information Service

U.S. Department of Commerce

5285 Port Royal Road

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13. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES

NREL Technical Monitor: Lori Bird and Jenny Sumner

14. ABSTRACT (Maximum 200 Words)

The data in this report are taken from Natural Marketing Institute’s (NMI's) Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability 

Consumer Trends Database. Created in 2002, the syndicated consumer database contains responses from 2,000 to 

4,000 nationally representative U.S. adults (meaning the demographics of the sample are consistent with U.S. 

Census findings) each year. NMI used the database to analyze consumer attitudes and behavior related to 

renewable energy and to update previously conducted related research. Specifically, this report will explore 

consumer awareness, concerns, perceived benefits, knowledge of purchase options, and usage of renewable energy 

as well as provide regional comparisons and trends over time.

15. SUBJECT TERMS

renewable energy; trends; consumer awareness; benefits; green pricing programs; retail electricity; renewable 

energy certificates; REC

16. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION OF: 17. LIMITATION 

OF ABSTRACT

UL

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a. REPORT

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