Poll: Utahns Concerned About Power Crisis
Jan. 23, 2001-- Reported by Government Specialist Richard Piatt
Utilities say they're worried about meeting Utah's demand for power and gas in the future.
And an exclusive Survey USA poll for Eyewitness News shows a lot of power and gas customers are worried, too.
Utility companies are already laying the groundwork for new legislation, using California as an example of what could happen if nothing is done.
The only question now is, "When will Utah lawmakers feel like taking on this issue again?"
For the first time in years, people are thinking about the energy they're using.
Higher rates are one reason.
But most see a crisis, like the rolling blackouts in California, as a real possibility in Utah.
Crisis In Utah?
| Very Concerned |
51% |
| Somewhat |
34% |
| Not Very/Not At All |
15% |
| Margin of Error |
+/-4.5% |
Our exclusive Survey USA poll tells the story.
The vast majority of the 500 Utah residents that responded are very or somewhat concerned about an energy crisis here.
Together, 85 percent say they're either very or somewhat concerned about demand outrunning supply in Utah.
Impact Of Rates
| A Lot |
58% |
| Somewhat |
33% |
| A Little/Not At All |
8% |
| Margin of Error |
+/-4.5% |
Those in the survey say they're already affected by the recent rate hikes. Fifty-eight percent say the increases affect their budgets a lot. Only 8 percent say the hikes have affected them just a little or not at all.
It may seem ironic that House Bill 320 ended up being nothing more than a symbol for these concerns. The bill never went into effect; never affected utility rates.
The question now is, could there be even higher rates, and rolling blackouts anyway?
The utility companies say 'yes', based on the fee structure they set out to change.
In the Utah Senate, there was one no vote to repeal House Bill 320. Senator Terry Spencer says the utility's concerns will get more attention on Capitol Hill.
Sen. Terry Spencer/R-Layton: "IT'S GOING TO COME RIGHT BACK. AND IT'S GOING TO HAVE TO. WE REALLY DON'T HAVE A CHOICE UNLESS PEOPLE ARE WILLING TO TURN THEIR LIGHTS OFF."
Higher Rates For Guaranteed Supply?
| Yes |
32% |
| No |
41% |
| Not Sure |
27% |
| Margin of Error |
+/- 4.5% |
Our poll generated a mixed response on the question of paying higher rates if it would guarantee a steady supply of energy.
Only 32 percent said yes to that question; 41 percent say no; 27 percent were uncommitted.
Lawmakers probably feel a little shellshocked about utility rate issues right now.
But there a big chance those issues will get the Legislature's attention again soon.
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