WASHINGTON DC (08/12/2026) – A new website from the Institute for Energy Research (IER) and Always On Energy Research (AOER) looking at energy policy across all regions of the country and all 50 states clearly shows how state energy policies continue to shape the cost of energy for Americans. This expanded “Blue States, High Rates” mapping tool spotlights the following policies across the country:
- Renewable portfolio or carbon-free electricity mandates
- Net-metering programs
- Carbon pricing or cap-and-trade participation
- Adoption (or absence) of data center consumer protections
- Access to affordable natural gas
- Utilities pursuing independent net-zero goals
Tom Pyle, President of the Institute for Energy Research, issued the following statement:
“Electricity rates and affordability are at the top of headlines today. Debates about affordability focus on a wide range of factors, but lost in the conversation is the wide variance in electricity prices we see across the country. Yes, energy prices have risen nationwide, but the data clearly show that electricity costs vary dramatically from one state to another. Some states have pursued policies that have made electricity more expensive, while others have done a better job of keeping prices low and prioritizing reliability. As we have repeatedly shown, those differences come down to decisions made at the state level, where policymakers establish utility policies, determine the energy resource mix, and oversee the regulatory framework. These are the factors that ultimately shape a consumer’s monthly electric bill.
“While there are many factors that influence electricity rates, the one constant we see is that states that have pursued climate or net-zero policies above all else have some of the highest rates in the country. Families and businesses deserve clear, accessible information about how those policy choices affect their monthly bills. This is why IER and AOER teamed up to provide state-by-state data in an easy-to-use format. Every decision made at the local and state level carries real financial consequences for that state’s residents. Understanding the connection between state policy and electricity prices helps provide greater transparency and accountability and empowers ratepayers to push back against bad energy policies.”
Amy Cooke, the President and CEO of Always On Energy Research, issued the following statement:
“Energy affordability is now a top concern for American families and businesses, and the data reveal a striking divide. Eighty-six percent of continental states with electricity prices above the national average voted Democratic in both 2020 and 2024, while 90 percent of the ten cheapest states voted Republican in both elections.
“California and New York show why. California mandates 100 percent carbon-free electricity by 2045 and operates a cap-and-trade program, while its average electricity price has climbed from 16.6 to 27.6 cents per kilowatt-hour since 2018. New York requires a zero-emissions grid by 2040, and its average price has risen from 14.8 to 21.6 cents per kilowatt-hour.
“Blue States, High Rates captures what we’ve been saying for years: bad energy policy leads to higher electricity rates. The website puts those policy choices on the record, state by state, so consumers and policymakers can connect decisions made in state capitols with the electric bills that show up in voters’ mailboxes. The bottom line is simple: affordable, reliable power is a policy choice.”
IER Experts Available For Interview On This Topic:
- Tom J. Pyle, President, IERt
- Kenny Stein, Vice President of Policy, IER
- Alexander Stevens, Manager of Policy and Communications, IER
- Amy Cooke, President, Always On Energy Research
- Isaac Orr, Co-Founder and Vice President of Research, Always On Energy Research
- Sarah Montalbano, Energy Policy Analyst, Always On Energy Research
Additional Background Resources From IER:
- Blue States, High Rates
- Energy Affordability is a Choice, and Some States are Choosing Poorly
- The Pacific Premium: Blue State Policies Driving Up Gas Prices
For media inquiries, please contact THOMAS.PYLE@IERDC.ORG
