In Washington, sociologists with Washington State University report that many Americans would prefer to power their homes with wind, solar and other forms of renewable energy if given the option. In a recently published study, researchers surveyed 234 U.S. consumers online to determine their interest in two hypothetical apps that would help them either to lower their monthly power bills or to use more electricity generated by renewables.
Overall, respondents were equally interested in reducing their carbon emissions and saving money. The participants also reported far more positive feelings about a person who reduced her monthly carbon emissions than a person who cut her monthly electricity costs.
The study suggests giving consumers the ability to monitor where their electricity is coming from at any given point during the day. This approach could be a viable addition to providing financial incentives and rebates to lower electricity consumption and change usage patterns.