Poll shows Valley residents support increasing generation capacity

TEMPE (April 23, 2001) -- Arizonans have been watching the California electricity debacle and fear similar circumstances could occur in the Grand Canyon State if new generation facilities are not built and conservation measures undertaken, according to a new poll released today by Dr. Bruce Merrill of Arizona State University.

Among those with an opinion, 54% of the poll's respondents think that electric "brown outs" like those occurring in California are very (16%) or somewhat likely (38%) to occur in Arizona.

Additionally, 72% of those with an opinion, think that there are not enough generating plants in existence to meet the needs of future growth in Maricopa County.

"The fear of the California power experience is migrating into Arizona," said Merrill. "Valley residents are worried about brown outs, escalating electricity rates, and the need to adopt more energy conservation policies. With summer approaching, one can only anticipate this consumer angst will increase."

Besides building new power generating facilities, 76% of those with an opinion, feel that energy conservation policies should be adopted in Maricopa County to reduce electricity consumption.

Consumer pocket book issues were also prevalent in the poll. Of those with an opinion, 76% feel the "brown outs" occurring in California will have a significant (29%) or some (47%) impact on electric bills in Arizona.

The poll also showed that 90% of the respondents who knew about plans to expand SRP Santan Generating facility favored the plans expansion.

"This poll shows that Arizonans are focused on our region's electricity crisis," Merrill said. "Valley residents are very concerned and are ready to support remedies to the problem. They support a multi-faceted solution of building new power facilities, the utilization of alternative fuels, and the adoption of energy conservation policies."

The survey was based on a random sample of 403 adult heads of households living in Maricopa County and was conducted by professional interviewers on April 20-21, 2001.

The poll was commissioned by a coalition of Arizona Power Consumers, including the East Valley Partnership, Westmarc, the Arizona Association of Industries, and East Valley Chamber Alliance. It has a margin of error +/- of 4.9%.