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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Fact #424: May 15, 2006
Important Factors When Selecting a Fuel Supply

A 2004 survey of the general public indicates that safety is the most important factor when selecting a fuel supply. Thirty-nine percent of respondents chose safety as the most important factor, while 33% chose low cost. Fewer respondents chose environmental protection and convenience as the most important factor when selecting a fuel supply. The survey was designed to gather information about the general public's knowledge of hydrogen and fuel cells.

Question: Please tell me which factor is MOST important to you, personally, when selecting a fuel supply?
Graph showing the results from a 2004 survey of the general public on the factors they consider when selecting a fuel supply. For more detailed information, see the table below.

Supporting Information

Question: Please tell me which factor is MOST important to you, personally, when selecting a fuel or power supply?
  Share of respondents
Safety 39%
Low cost 33%
Environmental protection 19%
Convenience 8%
No opinion 2%

Source: U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Hydrogen Baseline Knowledge Assessment Surveys, 2004.
General public survey, N=889.

 

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