The Highs and Lows of American Electricity

Last month, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Global Energy Institute published its annual assessment of state electricity prices. Prices in many states fell last year, according to data from the Energy Information Administration, but the reality is one of high retail prices for coastal elites and cheap power for those with abundant natural resources. But by other measures, “expensive” states to live in also have some of the most affordable power in the country. It’s a paradox: Some states have low electricity prices but residents pay more to power their homes, and others have high prices and low consumer bills. But the occurrence of high prices paired with high bills is rare.

According to the institute, rates have been falling thanks to low fuel prices, tax reform and renewable energy (which helped Hawaii in particular). Shale gas has been a boon for Ohio, while in New York, the institute says that because “its leaders have an irrational aversion to new pipeline infrastructure, they are burdened with higher electricity prices.” Leaders also “impose a blockade against American natural gas reaching New England states.”