Posted by By HARRY GILLEN February 01, 2008 12:21PM

LANSING - Michigan residents are more concerned with renewable energy sources and the rising costs of energy than they were two years ago, according to a survey by the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) at Michigan State University.

The survey found that 94.5 percent of those polled consider the cost of energy to be a long-term problem, up from 86.3 percent in 2005.

"I think it says that people are more informed and more engaged in renewable energy, and have better ideas about what alternative energy means," said AnnMarie Schneider, the program director for IPPSR.

The survey also found 40.7 of those polled are considering making changes to their home to lower energy costs, down from 46.6 percent in 2005.

But questions like those aren't always an accurate way to gauge public attitudes, said Marty Kushler, a resident of Williamston and the director of the utilities program at American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy in Washington DC.

"When you ask people about general intentions to do something, it's loaded with social desirability aspects," Kushler said. "They tend to dramatically overestimate what people do as a social desirability to sound like they're taking action towards environmental conservation. It's just not a very accurate way to gauge what's going on."

Schneider said the survey results represent responses at a particular time, not necessarily what people will actually do.

"You would never want to base solely your decision on one point of information," said Schneider, adding that the survey is meant to compare information from today to two years ago.

"It has its own aspect to look at, and that's public sentiment. The public sentiment may be an indication that more education is needed, or more discussion or conversation of what's going on, and it is definitely important to the democratic process," she said.

Kushler, who works with ACEEE to develop energy-efficient policies in the state and around the country, said energy efficiency is a serious "dollar drain" on Michigan's economy.

"Michigan has done almost nothing in energy efficiency in the last 10 years," said Kushler. "There's no question it's a serious and enduring economic problem for the state, and one of the major economic problems that have crippled Michigan's economy for so long."

One of the ways Lansing-area residents can reduce the cost of energy in their own homes is through Urban Options, a nonprofit community organization that runs an energy fitness program where people can seek help to save energy in their homes.

"People who participate in the program certainly gain," said Aileen Gow, executive director of Urban Options.

The people who save the most are typically those who follow through on their recommendations, Gow added.

"A lot of people just don't know what needs to be done, and they're relying on sales people for whatever particular item they're told will save the most money," Gow said. "We're looking very much at the facts and what is proven.

"I'll be honest. Half the time it's just the door needs weatherstripping, or you need to teach them how to weatherstrip a door."