A survey released by the grassroots coalition Affordable Energy for New Jersey (AENJ) shows that 76% of registered New Jersey voters hold a favorable view of natural gas as an energy source, with 67% of those surveyed preferring natural gas over electricity, largely due to cost concerns.
When asked if all homes should be required to transition from natural gas to electric heat, 61% were opposed. This contradicts New Jersey’s Energy Master Plan, which seeks to provide financial incentives for the transition to electric heating, which the plan claims to provide energy at twice the efficiency for roughly equivalent cost, using modern electric heat pumps rather than the baseboard systems of years prior, albeit for the significant one-time expense of installation.
“The results of this opinion survey clearly show that regulators and legislators are out of touch as to what New Jersey residents’ energy preferences are, said Ron Morano, Executive Director, Affordable Energy for New Jersey. “We need sound energy policy that includes reliable, affordable and realistic choices not unrealistic, expensive mandates.”
When asked about their preferred energy source for New Jersey, 22% said natural gas, 22% said solar, 21% nuclear, and 20% undecided, with a token 6% preferring wind.
“The numbers in this survey show clear support of natural gas. Before the Board of Public Utilities goes back to the drawing board to update the Energy Master Plan, they need to listen to New Jersey residents, not come back with more of the same,” added Morano.
About Affordable Energy for New Jersey:
Affordable Energy for New Jersey (AENJ) is a broad, grassroots coalition that advocates for actionable, fact-driven energy policy that emphasizes keeping costs low for our residents and businesses and evaluates energy policies and proposals based by asking the following three questions: Is It Feasible? Is It reliable? What Does It Cost?