With energy demand and affordability dominant topics in the economic development and election space of many states, a new 50 States of Energy Affordability report from the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center (NCCETC) is timely. A second in a new series, the quarterly report tracks 334 actions taken across 42 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico to address rising electricity costs since June 2026. Whether establishing new guidelines for utility profit-making, creating new metrics to track how utilities meet affordability targets, or requiring utilities better use existing grid resources, most states continue efforts to rein in costs through broad policy pushes.
Customer cost allocation, or efforts by regulators to distribute costs more equitably across customer classes, remained a focus area for states. In particular, preventing cost shifts associated with new large load customers garnered the most widespread attention. Utility oversight and cost recovery were also priorities, with several states scrutinizing return-on-equity policies and developing affordability metrics.
The report includes downloadable data sets and maps reflecting the extent of rising energy demand and costs by state, as well as where specific actions are being taken and where utility rate cases are under review across the country. Specifically considered in the map deck are maps showing the extent of large load demands.
NCCETC membership may be required to access the report and detailed data tables. More information is available at DSIREinsight.