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Vermont Energy Poll of Consumers 18+
Research Report
Jennifer H. Sauer, M.A., AARP Knowledge Management
July 2007
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AARP in Your State: VermontVermont currently gets about a third of its energy power from Vermont Yankee Nuclear, a company owned by Entergy. In May 2007, legislators proposed funding state heating efficiency programs by, in part, changing the current tax rate charged to Vermont Yankee to the level of that being considered for a more “green” energy producer, wind energy. The Vermont General Assembly voted for the proposal in early May 2007 but it was vetoed by the Governor in June. Lawmakers are expected to vote on July 11, 2007 to make this bill law without the Governor's signature.
The data from this omni poll of Vermont consumers age 18+ show that most are in favor of using any additional tax revenues from the proposed property tax rate increase on Vermont Yankee to help lower state utility and heating bills through energy efficiency programs. Moreover, many – 44 percent – do oppose the company keeping its current tax rate, which is lower than that charged to wind energy companies. While some consumers support Vermont Yankee continuing to pay its current tax rate, the one-quarter who say they cannot respond either way or are not sure indicate a need for more information. Objective, consumer-friendly information describing the pros and cons of this property tax rate increase could help those who are uncertain or not responding either way, to make and voice an informed decision about the proposal. A more detailed survey to a greater number of residents in the state would help provide deeper insight to consumer's thoughts and opinions about the proposal and how they would vote on it.
Top of PageMajority of Vermont Consumers Support Using a Portion of Proposed Vermont Yankee Tax Revenues To Lower State Energy Costs
Nearly three-quarters of respondents to this survey support using the additional tax revenues collected from requiring Vermont Yankee to pay the same property tax rate as wind energy companies to help lower utility and heating bills in the state, with over four in ten saying they would strongly agree. Less than two in ten would either strongly or somewhat oppose this proposal, and twelve percent would neither support or oppose, or are not sure.
Respondents do not differ in their support or opposition by age or income.
Q. If Vermont Yankee was required to pay the same property tax rate as wind energy companies, would you support or oppose using a portion of the additional tax revenue to lower utility and heating bills in the state?
Many Vermont Consumers Oppose Vermont Yankee Paying a Lower Tax Rate than Wind Energy Companies
Nearly half of Vermont consumers surveyed strongly or somewhat oppose the state allowing Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant to continue paying a lower tax rate than currently proposed for wind energy companies, while just a third would support. Notably, about one-quarter say they neither support or oppose this proposal or are simply not sure.
Respondents do not differ in their support or opposition by age or income.
Q. Currently Vermont Yankee Nuclear Power Plant Pays a lower tax rate than one being proposed by the legislature for wind energy companies. How strongly do you support or oppose allowing Vermont Yankee to continue paying this lower tax rate?
Methodology
Macro Poll is a survey effort that includes questions from a variety of companies, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. The Macro Poll is conducted several times each year and represents the opinions and attitudes of Vermont residents statewide about the political, social, economic, and consumer issues affecting the state. A minimum of 400 interviews are collected for each wave of Macro Poll. Telephone interviews are conducted proportionally, by population, across Vermont's 14 counties. Macro Poll data is not weighted to account for population bias in relationship to gender. That is, the likelihood of women answering the phone and responding to telephone surveys more often than men was not accounted for. The June 2007 Macro Poll has a statistical margin of error of plus-or-minus 4.9 percent.
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. We produce AARP The Magazine, published bimonthly; AARP Bulletin, our monthly newspaper; AARP Segunda Juventud, our bimonthly magazine in Spanish and English; NRTA Live & Learn, our quarterly newsletter for 50+ educators; and our website, www.aarp.org. AARP Foundation is our affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Written by Jennifer H. Sauer, M.A., AARP Knowledge Management
July 2007
©2007 AARP
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