Energy Survey

In 2008, the province commissioned an energy survey to better understand how Nova Scotians consume, conserve, and think about energy. 

The survey indicated that energy -- including gasoline and electricity prices –- is the second most important issue to Nova Scotians after healthcare.

The study found that a majority of Nova Scotians:

• use oil to heat their households (51%), followed by electricity (26%) and wood (17%).
• factor energy efficiency into their buying decisions, especially when getting a new furnace (64%).
• believe conserving energy is a priority (98%), with many people switching to more efficient lighting in the last five years (37%)
• prefer programs and incentives for energy efficiency instead of direct rebates on price (70%).
• are willing to pay more for clean energy than for fossil fuel-based energy (64%).
• believe that clean energy should come at the lowest cost possible, even if it means importing it (60%).
• believe people who consume more energy should pay more for it (61%).
• believe that climate change is a result of human activity (92%).
• believe that personal action can help address climate change (92%)

Commissioned by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy, the study informed work for both the 2009 Energy Strategy and the Climate Change Action Plan. The survey polled over 2,900 Nova Scotians, and is accurate within 2 percentage points.

Conducted by Thinkwell Research, the full survey is available online.