Survey: Oklahomans Want Wind—And They'll Pay for It

The somewhat surprising results of an Oklahoma telephone survey showed that 91% of Oklahomans support wind power, and that 72% of the respondents would willingly pay more for electricity produced from wind farms.

The poll, conducted by pollster Pat McFerron September 20-24, surveyed 600 Oklahoma residents. "I was blown away," McFerron told The Oklahoman newspaper. "It's not just about electricity for us. It's a new commodity... that we can sell and grow our economy. It cuts across all groups: men, women, Rebublicans, Democrats."

Possibly more surprising, poll results indicated that 62% of the respondents would be willing to pony up for expanded transmission lines, an investment that would allow the state to export power it doesn't need.

The pollster shared the survey results during the Revolution 2009 Oklahoma Wind Energy Conference.

Additional transmission capacity is considered essential if more wind farms are to be developed in the state's Panhandle.

   The Oklahoman news article

   Renewables resources on SGN

   DOE Report Finds Property Values Unaffected by Wind Energy Generation

   Record Wind Energy in Texas Underscores Transmission Need