Clean Energy Canada | Poll: Canadians see a clean energy system as more affordable and secure than a fossil fuel one
December 13, 2022

image of windmills over snowy hills

Eight in ten think it’s important for Canada to invest in clean energy opportunities in response to American Inflation Reduction Act investments in climate action

In the latest round of survey work by Clean Energy Canada and Abacus Data, Canadians believe a clean energy system that includes hydro, wind, solar power and electric vehicles would be both more affordable and more secure than a fossil fuel energy system.

Key findings include:

  • Two thirds think a clean energy system would be more affordable than a fossil fuel energy system. This view is shared by a majority in every region or province, except for Alberta. Over seven in ten Liberal, NDP, and Green Party supporters feel this way, as do 4 in 10 Conservative Party supporters.

  • Two thirds also think a clean energy system would be more secure – that is, a system where prices and supply are less influenced by goal markets. This view is shared by a majority in every region or province, including in Alberta. Over three in four Liberal, NDP, and Green Party supporters feel this way, as do half of Conservative Party supporters.

a bar graph illustrating the percentage breakdown of key findings
a bar graph illustrating the regional, age, level of climate concern, and current vote (political party) breakdown of key findings on most affordable system
a bar graph illustrating the regional, age, level of climate concern, and current vote (political party) breakdown of key findings on most secure system

  • Just under half of Canadians are aware of the Inflation Reduction Act passed by the U.S. government that invests $370 billion dollars into climate action to spur investment in clean energy and greenhouse gas emission reductions.

  • When asked whether it is important or not for Canada to also invest in clean-energy-related economic opportunities, 83% say it is either very or somewhat important. Large majorities in every region of the country and across the political spectrum share this view.

bar graph illustrating breakdown in level of awareness of america's climate bill
bar graph illustrating breakdown in level of importance for canada to invest in clean energy related economic opportunities

a bar graph illustrating the regional, age, level of climate concern, and current vote (political party) breakdown of rated level of importance for canada to invest in clean energy related economic opportunities

Upshot

According to David Coletto, Chief Executive Officer of Abacus Data: “Perceptions about the affordability and security of clean energy are becoming clearer as geopolitical conflict and rising inflation impact Canadians directly. A clear majority believe that a clean energy system will be both more affordable and more secure than one based on fossil fuels.”

According to Trevor Melanson, Communications Director of Clean Energy Canada: “Increasingly, Canadians see that the transition to clean energy is not only an economic opportunity—but an opportunity to lower their energy bills. Canadians also recognize clean energy as more secure. This view reflects reality, as clean energy electricity rates are less beholden to global markets.”

Methodology

The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from November 25 to December 1, 2022. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.5%,
19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Clean Energy Canada.