Survey: W.Va. Voters Would Favor Solar Over Coal To Save Money

A new survey of West Virginians shows high support for coal and solar, and high support for switching from coal to solar to save money.

Echelon Insights surveyed 500 West Virginia voters for West Virginians for Energy Freedom and found almost identical support for solar and coal.

The survey showed 65% of respondents supported solar, while 67% supported coal.

Nearly half, though, incorrectly thought solar was more expensive than coal, while a third thought coal was more expensive. Solar is now the cheapest form of electricity available.

Still, two-thirds said they wouldn’t pay more for coal or solar if it cost more. About two-thirds also said they would switch to community solar if it cost less.

“We find throughout the survey that West Virginia voters are ultimately extremely pragmatic and extremely cost driven when it comes to the decision that they make on energy sources,” said Kai Chen Yeo, a partner at Echelon. “They don’t have a deep attachment to coal if it will cost them more.” 

The survey also found that 65% of respondents somewhat or strongly disapproved of the West Virginia Public Service Commission (PSC), which regulates electricity prices.