PALO ALTO, Calif., May 11, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- A national Electric Power Research Institute survey regarding the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on utility customer perceptions and consumer activities found that a statistically significant number of customers are using more electricity and expecting greater utility assistance during the pandemic, but fewer than one in 10 are more likely to contact utilities for help with their bills.
"There is a dichotomy in public perceptions reflected in the data," said EPRI Senior Program Manager Omar Siddiqui. "The responses indicate that while few consumers may reach out to their utilities, many expect their utilities to reach out to them to provide support during this pandemic."
The nationally representative sample of 2,000 respondents includes a margin of error of 2.3 percent. The survey was completed during the week of April 13.
Other Findings:
For more information and results, please click here.
About EPRI:
The Electric Power Research Institute, Inc. (EPRI, www.epri.com) is a tax-exempt, non-profit organization, that conducts research and development relating to the generation, delivery and use of electricity for the benefit of the public, on a non-discriminatory basis. An independent organization, EPRI brings together its scientists and engineers as well as experts from academia and industry to help address challenges in electricity, including reliability, efficiency, health, safety and the environment. EPRI's members represent more than 90 percent of the electricity generated and delivered in the United States, and international participation extends to nearly 40 countries. EPRI's principal offices and laboratories are located in Palo Alto, Calif.; Charlotte, N.C.; Knoxville, Tenn.; and Lenox, Mass.
Contact:
Donald Cutler, EPRI
[email protected]
650.847.8077
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SOURCE Electric Power Research Institute