How politicians and businesses should talk about clean energy and climate change in a cost-of-living crisis

"Renewable energy is, however, the cheapest form of power -and many people recognize this. In a survey of more than 15,000 Americans, the nonprofit found that 38% already recognize that clean energy is cheaper than fossil fuels. Another 15% think that they cost the same, while 20% say that they don't know. Fewer than a third think that fossil-fueled power has a cost advantage."

"But the reality is, shying away from the topic is the last thing we should do. Plenty of people already see the cost benefits of clean energy-and with the right message, many more do, too. The group tested various messages, including one that talked about rising demand for energy and the fact that clean sources are most affordable way to get it. After seeing that message, the belief that clean energy is cheaper than fossil fuels jumped up by 27 points."

"As electric bills keep soaring, Trump has tried to blame clean energy for the higher prices. But new research suggests the public isn't buying it-and that clean energy could soon own the affordability argument. A new briefing from the nonprofit Potential Energy Coalition looks at how to talk about clean energy in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis, when some advocates have suggested talking less about climate change as a reason to move away from fossil fuels."

Electric bills have risen and political figures have blamed clean energy for higher prices. A briefing and survey of over 15,000 Americans finds that 38% say clean energy is cheaper than fossil fuels, 15% say costs are the same, 20% do not know, and fewer than a third favor fossil-fueled cost advantage. Most respondents blamed corporate greed, politics, weather, and inflation for bill surges; only 2% cited clean energy. Messaging that emphasizes rising energy demand and the affordability of clean sources increased the perception that clean energy is cheaper by 27 points.

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