Community Power Survey Results Are In!!

Waterville Community Power Survey April 12, 2022

The Waterville Community Power Survey was released on February 25th and completed by 132 respondents before the deadline March 31st. The Survey was made available on the Town website and paper copies were distributed at Town meeting. Of the respondents, the vast majority were homeowners and customers of NHEC, with only 2 businesses reporting the use of a competitive supplier.  Three respondents reported solar panels at their homes.

Demographics were collected to ensure a range of opinions were surveyed. Responses were received in each age and income demographic, with a heavy majority over age 40, and 61% reporting income over $100,000.  While more participation of younger residents would be preferable, overall the survey results do not indicate a need to extend the survey deadline to receive more responses.

The top three priorities for a Community Power program reported by respondents were lower energy bills, increased buying power through competitive pricing, and increased renewable energy, including local sources. Other priorities from the choice responses and written comments were: local control and increased knowledge, energy independence, wind turbines, EV charging stations, and all power lines underground.

Respondents were asked about their support of more renewable energy in our electric supply. 83% of respondents want more renewable energy in their supply, and 38% are willing to pay more than their current costs to do so. 45% responded “I would like extra renewable energy if I can still pay about the same as I pay today.” 11% reported that they do not want more renewable energy, and 6% did not answer the question.

Community Power provides a new default service for eligible residents and small businesses. Strong response to the renewable energy question above supports the recommendation of a ‘green default’, a default service product that has additional renewable energy above the state minimum, currently 22.6%, while remaining cost-competitive with the utility default.

Finally, people were asked why they stayed on utility default supply, and 67% said they did not know they had a choice to switch. 26% said they saw no need to switch. Community Power offers customers more choices, in addition to current choices, including a lowest cost option, and options with additional renewable energy.