WASHINGTON DC (12/10/2025) – This week, the Institute for Energy Research, in partnership with Always On Energy Research, released Blue States, High Rates, a detailed new report demonstrating how state-level policy decisions shape electricity prices. The research focuses on five states – California, Florida, Louisiana, Kentucky, and New York – to illustrate how state-level energy policies affect affordability.
“Steadily rising electricity costs are putting a real strain on Americans across the country who feel powerless to do anything about it,” said Institute for Energy Research President Tom Pyle. “However, data clearly show that as prices have climbed, the highest rates have been concentrated in traditionally blue states. States have broad authority to decide how electricity is generated, how it’s priced, and what mandates utilities must follow. As a result, the choices made in state capitals largely determine what families and businesses pay on their monthly electric bills. The bottom line is that state energy policy directly impacts utility rates, and elections have consequences.”
“We have looked closely at all the data, and it speaks for itself,” added Always On Energy Research Co-founder Isaac Orr.“Americans work hard to support themselves and their families. They shouldn’t have to wonder how they’ll afford to keep the lights on, but depending on their state, they might. Our research shows that expensive electricity is a choice made by state-level officials. State policies determine affordability and are the quintessential example of how all politics are local.”
IER Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:
- Tom J. Pyle, President – Institute for Energy Research
- Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy – Institute for Energy Research
- Alex Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications – Institute for Energy Research
- Isaac Orr, Co-founder and Vice President of Research – Always On Energy Research
- Mitch Rolling, Co-founder and Director of Research – Always On Energy Research
Additional Background Resources From IER:
- Blue States, High Rates
- New York Is Missing Its Climate Mandates Despite Paying High Electricity Prices to Meet Them
- California’s Green Gambit: A Timeline
For media inquiries, please contact [email protected]
