Ohio Small Businesses Believe State Energy Efficiency Standard Good for Business, Economy

Columbus, OH̢??‰۝A scientific opinion poll released today shows the majority of Ohio small business owners agree the state̢??‰?s current energy efficiency standard is good for businesses because it spurs innovation and creates market opportunities, and that their electricity providers should be required to offer services that help small businesses become more energy-efficient and save money.

The opinion poll, conducted Oct. 10-17 by Public Policy Polling on behalf of Small Business Majority, found the majority (53 percent) of small businesses in Ohio agree the state̢??‰?s current clean energy standard helps businesses by reducing energy costs, spurring innovation and creating business opportunities. What̢??‰?s more, the majority (51 percent) also agree Ohio electricity providers should be required to offer services that help small businesses increase their energy efficiency and save money, with things like energy audits and rebates for installing energy-efficient products.

Many small business owners across the state have already realized these benefits for themselves. Nearly one-third of those polled stated they̢??‰?ve had an energy audit conducted at their place of business, and nearly 6 out of 10 of these audits resulted in energy savings, thereby lowering their utility costs.

Polling also found a vast 65 percent of small businesses believe clean energy sources, such as wind and solar power, can strengthen their businesses by lowering their utility bills and providing new business opportunities.

Thanks to Ohio̢??‰?s clean energy standard, Anne Zimmerman, owner of Zimmerman and Co. CPAs in Cincinnati, Ohio, has reduced her company̢??‰?s costs by utilizing state rebate programs to implement energy efficiency measures within her business. ̢???Ohio̢??‰?s energy efficiency standard is so important to small businesses like mine,̢???? said Zimmerman. ̢???With this standard in place, rebate programs, energy audits, financial incentives and other programs are right at small business owners̢??‰? fingertips. Having these programs in place provides small businesses with the tools they need to adopt energy efficiency measures in a quick, easy and affordable way.̢????

It̢??‰?s important to note the political breakdown of the poll, which was a Republican majority. Respondents were identified as 51% Republican, 31% Democrats and 18% independent.

̢???Ohio small business owners believe clean energy standards are important because they will help drive innovation and investment in energy efficiency and are a key component to progressing toward a clean energy economy and to creating jobs,̢???? said John Arensmeyer, Founder & CEO of Small Business Majority. ̢???Energy efficiency policies combined with clean energy services from utility providers will help businesses streamline and save money through new technologies and efficiencies.̢????

For the full report visit: http://www.smallbusinessmajority.org/small-business-research/clean-energy/OH-small-business-clean-energy-report.php