Why Electricity Prices Are Soaring in Blue States

In 2004, the average residential electricity rate in the five most expensive states was only twice as high as in the five most affordable states; today it is 2.6 times higher. This widening gap reflects the growing differences in state approaches to energy production, regulation, and climate policy,...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Policy File 2024
Main Authors: Loyola, Mario, Dayaratna, Kevin, Weiss, Andrew
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
Climate policy
Electricity
Energy
Energy prices
Energy regulation
Environment
Online Access:Request full text
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Summary:In 2004, the average residential electricity rate in the five most expensive states was only twice as high as in the five most affordable states; today it is 2.6 times higher. This widening gap reflects the growing differences in state approaches to energy production, regulation, and climate policy, which have created distinct regional energy landscapes across the nation. The growing divergence in electricity rates among U.S. states highlights the critical need for sensible energy policies that put people first. The climate policies proposed to date would have no measurable influence on global temperatures but are already having grave effects on household electricity bills and the stability and reliability of the national power grid. The effect of these policies across states highlights the vital importance of maintaining energy abundance.