Modernizing the electric grid and preparing it to meet future electricity needs has been a strategic importance for both electricity providers and the U.S. Department of Energy in recent years. While billions of dollars are being invested annually to make the grid cleaner, more efficient and more reliable, what do Americans know about these initiatives?

The Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative (SECC) recently conducted a nationally representative online survey with 1,500 respondents to assess Americans’ views on grid modernization and whether they’re engaging with the electricity usage data that’s now widely available due to the proliferation of smart grid technologies.

Here are three notable findings about grid modernization from the survey:

1. Almost all consumers view modernizing the grid as important.

When asked whether it was important that their electricity providers take steps to modernize the grid, consumers were nearly unanimously in agreement; 87 percent said that this was either very or somewhat important. Predictably, the Comfort Seekers – a segment that’s not engaged in energy-related programs – were the lowest segment at 74 percent, while the Trusting Traditionalists, Green Pioneers and Simply Sustainable all exceeded 90 percent.

There was also near-unanimous agreement for the benefits of grid modernization. Eighty-five percent of respondents said that grid modernization helps their provider plan for future electricity needs, while 76 percent said that modernizing the grid will improve the quality of life in their communities. Despite there being a wide range of views and values related to energy, consumers are relatively united in the belief that the grid should be modernized.

2. Many consumers are unsure whether their providers are taking action.

However, at the same time, consumers aren’t quite sure whether their electricity providers have taken steps to modernize the grid. Only 30 percent of respondents stated that they were aware that their providers have taken some steps, while an additional 19 percent believe that their providers have taken a lot of steps to modernize the electric grid.

A plurality of consumers (45 percent) stated that they weren’t sure whether any steps were being taken, including 63 percent of the Trusting Traditionalists and 52 percent of the Simply Sustainable, a segment of older consumers that has strong environmental values and sees the value in energy efficiency. While consumers are supportive of grid modernization, it seems that more education on the investments that have been made may be needed.

3. Consumers are ambivalent about paying extra for grid improvements.

Finally, respondents were asked whether they would be willing to pay more on their electricity bills each month to invest in modernizing the grid for the future, and most consumers (64 percent) balked at the idea. However, it’s not all bad news – some segments of consumers were much more supportive of the idea than others, even with the high energy costs and inflation that have challenged consumers over the past year.

For example, about half of the Connected Pragmatists and Green Pioneers – two groups that are generally on the younger side and more tech-savvy – are willing to pay extra. Surprisingly high numbers of each segment also say that they would pay $10 extra on each bill (45 and 42 percent, respectively). In addition, when we look at electric vehicle drivers, we find significant support; 78 percent say that they would be willing to pay to invest in modernizing the grid.

As electricity providers and the government continue to invest in preparing the grid for our future needs, they will find that most consumers support these initiatives. However, stakeholders also have opportunities to share these investments and the benefits being delivered with consumers, especially those that tend to be more engaged in utility programs.

To learn more about what Americans think grid modernization and whether they’re engaging with their electricity usage information, download our latest consumer research report here.