Q. As far as you know, which energy source – renewable energy like solar and wind OR fossil fuels like coal and gas – is better for each of the following?
| Renewable energy better | Fossil fuels better | No difference | Don’t know | May 2015 Renewable | May 2015 Fossil fuels | ||
| The environment | 73% | 8% | 10% | 10% | 69% | 5% | |
| Electricity costs | 41% | 27% | 14% | 18% | 47% | 18% | |
| The economy | 40% | 28% | 14% | 18% | 42% | 20% | |
| Jobs | 34% | 26% | 20% | 20% | 37% | 20% |
Overall, respondents think that renewable energy is better for the environment (73%), electricity costs (41%), the economy (40%) and jobs (34%). Since this question was asked in May 2015, main changes are an increase for renewables being better for the environment (from 69% to 73%) and a decline for renewables being better for electricity costs (from 47% to 41%).
There were few substantial differences across demographic groups – other than for men who were more likely to believe fossil fuels were better for the economy (36%), jobs (32%) and electricity costs (33%).
Liberal/National voters were more likely to think fossil fuels are better for the economy (39%), jobs (37%) and electricity costs (35%).