ALEC Ranks Energy Affordability by State, Blames Mandates for Higher Bills

Overview

• ALEC, which released its Energy Affordability 2026 report Wednesday, evaluates states using 2024 electricity-price data and 2025 fuel data.
• North Dakota, Louisiana and Nebraska record the lowest average retail rates, while New England states, New York, California and Hawaii rank among the most expensive.
• The report argues that mandates such as renewable portfolio standards, cap-and-trade and broad net metering raise prices, and it urges laws that favor dispatchable power like natural gas and nuclear.
• In Wisconsin, Public Service Commission approvals for Madison Gas and Electric, Alliant Energy and Xcel Energy total more than $330 million, suggesting higher bills not fully reflected in the report’s dataset.
• Coverage also notes fuel prices have risen since February 28 strikes on Iran and disruption near the Strait of Hormuz, putting short-term pressure on energy costs.