Support/Opposition to Net Metering Rollback Decision-makers in Augusta currently are considering a proposal to phase out a long-standing policy known as “net metering.” The proposed phase-out of net metering would make solar energy less affordable for Maine homeowners and businesses. Please tell me whether you support or oppose this proposal to weaken Maine’s existing net metering solar energy policy. NET OPPOSE: 62% Strongly support Somewhat support Somewhat oppose Strongly oppose NET SUPPORT: 25% 43% No opinion Don't know 19% 13% 12% 8% 5% DRI I CRITICAL INSIGHTS I dpa The Digital Research Group October 2016 172 Commercial Street, 2nd Floor Portland • Maine www.criticalinsights.com 6 About the Survey Background • In the Fall of 2016, the Natural Resources Council of Maine (“NRCM”) contracted with Critical Insights (Portland, Maine) to conduct an exploratory issues poll of Maine voters. • The intent of the effort was to document the attitudes and beliefs of a cross-section of voters on a range of issues of interest to NRCM. Data Collection Overview • Critical Insights completed a total of 405 random telephone interviews across the state between September 23rd and October 5th of 2016. – All interviews were conducted with self-reported registered voters; final data was statistically weighted according to relevant demographic and voter registration figures to reflect the voter base in Maine. – Interviews were conducted via both landline and mobile phone. – With a sample of 405 interviews across Maine, results presented here have an associated margin of error of ±4.9 percentage points at the 95% confidence level. – On average, the entire survey instrument – including demographic items employed in sample balancing and weighting – was 10 minutes in administrative length. DRI I CRITICAL INSIGHTS I dpa The Digital Research Group October 2016 172 Commercial Street, 2nd Floor Portland • Maine www.criticalinsights.com 2 Sample Profile Gender Percent Female 52% Male 48% Age Percent Party Registration Percent Democrat 36% Republican 30% 18 to 34 19% Unenrolled/Independent 26% 35 to 44 21% Green/Other 4% 45 to 54 23% 55 to 64 17% Political Leanings 65 or older 18% Conservative 46% Liberal 33% Neither conservative or liberal 17% Refused 3% Annual Income Percent Less than $50,000 32% $50,000 to just under $75,000 23% $75,000 or more 36% Refused 10% DRI I CRITICAL INSIGHTS I dpa The Digital Research Group October 2016 Percent 172 Commercial Street, 2nd Floor Portland • Maine www.criticalinsights.com 3