‘Politics of electricity’ over rising bills could power Democratic win, say clean energy advocates
Summary
Clean-energy and consumer advocates say rising electricity bills could become a major issue in the November midterms as voters weigh affordability and data-center growth. Democrats in several races are linking opponents to higher utility costs, while national electricity prices have risen about 10% over the past two years, according to federal figures.Key Facts
- Arizona resident Diali Avila said her monthly electricity bill reached $400 during the state's hottest summer on record.
- Avila, a state director for Climate Power, said voters may use the election to support candidates who could lower utility bills.
- A recent Pew survey found that 74% of Americans were very concerned about gas and energy prices.
- A Hart Research poll found that voters in battleground districts ranked utility bills among their three most important issues in the upcoming midterms.
- Advocates cite data-center energy demand, grid repairs, climate-related damage and the war in Ukraine as factors contributing to higher electricity bills.
- Ohio electricity rates have risen 34% since 2022, according to state figures.
- A poll by Ohio Northern University found that 55% of Ohio residents oppose data-center construction, while 79% believe data centers will increase water and electricity costs.
- Democratic Senate candidate Sherrod Brown has run ads portraying Republican opponent Jon Husted as closely tied to data centers and rising electricity bills.
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