what’s happening out there?: power and utilities · about dhm independent non-partisan four...
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What’s Happening Out There?:Power and Utilities
John Horvick, Vice President & Political DirectorPrepared for NWPPA Conference
May 17, 2016
About DHMIndependent
Non-Partisan
Four decades of public opinion research in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest
About DHMRecent Energy & Utility Clients
Association of Clean Water AgenciesAssociation of Washington BusinessesAvistaCentral Electric CooperativeClark Public UtilitiesClean Water ServicesDrive OregonEWEB
Energy Trust of OregonHillsboro WaterNorthwest RiverPartnersOak Lodge Water/Sanitary DistrictsPacificPowerPortland General ElectricOak Lodge Water/Sanitary DistrictsSalem Water & Sewer
Mood
All things considered, is [state]headed in the right direction,
or are things off on the wrong track?
Right Direction: Western States
28%
41%
47%
47%
50%
51%
53%
63%
United States (May)
Arizona (April)
Idaho (November)
Oregon (April)
California (January)
Washington (May)
Nevada (May)
Utah (April)
Go Go 90s
62%
Post 9/11
34%
Housing Boom
48%
Financial Crisis
34%
Today
47%
Economy
MedianHousehold Income
$52,000 (2014)
MedianHousehold Wealth
All: $81,000 White: $142,000Hispanic: $14,000AA: $11,000
Unemployment 5.0%
College Attainment 33% <High school 11%Grad Degree: 12%
United States Economic Numbers
How worried are you about your personal financial situation?
February 2016
51%
March 2011
71%
How difficult would it be to pay an unexpected bill of $1000?
Difficultly paying an unexpected bill of $1000
41%
32%
26%
Not at all difficult Somewhat difficult Very difficult
Marketplace Anxiety Index
Power & Utilities
Electric Utility Provider
44% 41% 9% 5%
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know
Satisfaction with electric utility provider
22% 57% 12% 5% 5%
Very satisfied Somewhat satisfied Somewhat dissatisfied Very dissatisfied Don't know
Value of electricity service
Most Practical Source of Energy
9%
1%
1%
4%
5%
9%
9%
17%
45%
Don’t know
None of the above
Coal plants
Natural gas fired plants
Nuclear power plants
Solar power
Energy efficiency
Wind power
Hydropower from dams
Most Practical Source of Electrical Energy for the Pacific Northwest
Hydropower 36%
Natural gas 16%
Energy efficiency 10%
Wind 9%Coal 8%Solar 7%
Nuclear / Geothermal 4%Biomass 3%
Tidal 1%
Hydropower 26%
Solar / Wind 17%
Energy efficiency 13%
Natural gas 8%
Nuclear / Geothermal 4%Tidal / Biomass 3%Coal 2%
Current Energy Estimate Desired 10-Year Target
Customer Research
• Benchmark customer satisfaction
• Identify changing attitudes and expectations
• Stay ahead and shape emerging policy issues
• Adjust messaging and message delivery
• Understand how customers balance cost, reliability, and the environment
Major Topics of Customer Research
• Declining response rates: 1:100 vs 1:30
• Online surveys are getting better and better – especially for large populations
• Don’t forget about qualitative research!!!
Major Topics of Customer Research
Don’t forget about qualitative research!
Thank YouJohn Horvick
jhorvick@dhmresearch@DHMResearch