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  • May, 2015

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    Renewables vs fossil fuels

    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

    Sep 2014 Renewable

    Sep 2014 Fossil fuels

    The environment

    69%

    5%

    9%

    17%

    77%

    5%

    Electricity costs

    47%

    18%

    11%

    24%

    45%

    19%

    The economy

    42%

    20%

    11%

    26%

    39%

    29%

    Jobs

    37%

    20%

    16%

    27%

    36%

    25%

    Overall, respondents think that renewable energy is better for the environment (69%), electricity costs (47%), the economy (42%) and jobs (37%). Since this question was asked in September, main changes are a decline for renewables being better for the environment (from 77% to 69%) and a decline for fossil fuels being better for the economy (from 29% to 20%).

    There were few substantial differences across demographic groups – other than for electricity costs where 52% of women think renewables are better compared to 41% of men.

    Liberal/National voters were more likely to think fossil fuels are better for jobs (30%).

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