WASHINGTON — Efforts to promote energy efficiency enjoy overwhelming support among Americans, according to a poll released by the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) and the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).

The poll of 1,000 likely voters found that nine in 10 support energy efficiency as a key part of addressing energy challenges in the United States. Results showed a desire for greater adoption of energy efficient technologies throughout the U.S. economy.

Specific results of the poll are:

• 94 percent support using energy efficient products. Seven in ten (70 percent) “strongly” support it. Support is broad among all demographic and political groups.

• 90 percent believe it’s important to include energy efficiency as part of U.S. energy solutions. This strong sentiment is evident among Republicans (86 percent), Democrats (99 percent), and Independents (88 percent). The majority (56 percent) says it’s “very” important.

• 74 percent support investing taxpayers’ dollars on energy efficiency technologies, innovations, and programs if it would save consumers more money.

• 67 percent are more likely to vote for a candidate for Congress who supports energy efficiency policies. The majority of Republicans (51 percent), Democrats (86 percent), and Independents (66 percent) are all more likely to vote for such a candidate.

“The results prove that energy efficiency is a winning topic with consumers. An investment in energy efficiency returns significant cost savings,” said Evan R. Gaddis, NEMA president and CEO. “Energy-efficiency policies for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors should be a central component to any national energy policy.”

“Energy efficiency will continue to play a critical role in our nation’s ability to succeed economically, and common-sense energy-efficiency legislation is a win-win that means savings for manufacturers and their communities,” said Jay Timmons, NAM president and CEO. “These results show that consumers from across the political spectrum agree that energy efficiency is a key part of our nation’s energy future.”

For more information on the National Electrical Manufacturers Association, visit www.nema.org. For more information on the National Association of Manufacturers, visit www.nam.org.

Publication date: 3/10/2014

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