Energy Pulse 2007 is based on a non-experimental, cross-sectional telephone survey research.  The survey questionnaire was designed by the Shelton Group and contained fixed-response alternative questions, Likert scale questions and a few unstructured (open-ended) questions.  Sample data (N=504) was collected in August 11-21, 2007 using a random digit dialing telephone survey from the population including all U.S. households. A stratified random sampling method was used for this study.  Demographic quotas were set for gender, age, race, region and educational attainment in order to ensure the final sample closely matched the overall demographic distribution of the U.S. population.  Based on the U.S. Census 2006 American Community survey estimate of the total U.S. population age 18+ (225,633,342) the sample has a 95% confidence level and a +/- 4.37% confidence interval (margin of error).  In other words, Shelton can be 95% certain that the attitudes and opinions found in this study would closely match those of the entire U.S. population to within +/- 4.37%

In addition, eight focus groups were held in July, 2007, with consumers in four cities:  Atlanta, Philadelphia, Denver and San Diego.   These consumers were divided into two groups, per city, based on age:  18-45, and 46-75.  Eighty percent were homeowners and 20% were renters. The discussion was wide-ranging, touching on a variety of topics including motivational drivers for conservation and energy efficient home renovations, awareness and attitudes toward conservation, climate change, green building energy efficient products and services and corporate environmental positioning.