Soaring electricity bills could be the sleeper campaign issue of 2025

[Zincwarrior]

I have a cousin who barely escaped with her life during the Paradise fire. She was running down the street holding her dog when a fire truck picked her up.

I am glad she made it. I have driven through two fires. They are terrifying.

 

[marvin martian]

I live in Texas. Renewables are cheaper driven by winds in north central texas and the constant sun that makes the air catch fire here.

You don't live in Texas, liar.

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

Energy costs continue to rise across a variety of states, becoming a potential political issue in the midterms. Thoughts USMB? What are your energy costs like currently?

Soaring electricity bills could be the sleeper campaign issue of 2025​

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/15/energy-prices-politics-virginia-jersey/

As costs continue to grow, voters are turning their ire toward politicians, shaking up this year’s governors races.
Anger over soaring utility bills is shaking political fault lines, as electricity shortages and price spikes take center stage in nationally watched gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia — and threaten to haunt candidates throughout the country in next year’s midterm elections.

Cheap, reliable electricity is no longer a given, with an energy crunch taking hold far and wide, and forecasts showing no price relief in sight. Average bills have jumped over 10 percent since last year in more than a dozen states — with some seeing increases beyond 20 percent — and more rate hikes have already been announced. Voters are demanding solutions, bringing to the forefront issues that long simmered in the political background, including the massive expansion of energy-hungry data centers, obscure surcharges on electric bills and mandates for clean energy generation.

“People knew a problem was coming, but nobody expected it to emerge so sharply and quickly,” said Dan Cassino, executive director of the Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, which has tracked New Jersey voter opinion on rising energy prices.

He said voters are confused about whom to blame, often pointing the finger at power companies or regulations that are not necessarily the driving forces behind rates going up.

Both Republicans and Democrats see potential to turn ratepayer angst on their opponents, but candidates are finding assigning blame a challenge amid voter confusion over the causes.
Cassino said there is a common theme in how voters are thinking about the issue: “It is one thing people feel like their governor should have leverage to control.”

Voters should be mad about all the tax money wasted on subsidies for less reliable, more expensive green energy.

And all the moronic green energy mandates.

Vote out the greentards!

 

[Dogmaphobe]

I am glad she made it. I have driven through two fires. They are terrifying.

Yes they are.

I fought fires for the California Division of Forestry when I was 16.

You haven't lived until you have seen a firenado. It happened when I was fighting a fire on a 117 degree day among digger pine and Manzanita.

 

[citygator]

THats BIdens energy policies that have not been reversed yet. Renewables drive up the cost of energy. NJ went all in on renewables and now pay the price.

Biden presided over record energy output and no amount of bullshit lying can overcome that.

 

[Toddsterpatriot]

They also have a bad tendency to start 100,000 acre forest fires with their power lines.

Spending all your money on green stupidity leaves less for maintenance.

 

[leftwinger]

New talking points came out?

 

[Foxfyre]

Energy costs continue to rise across a variety of states, becoming a potential political issue in the midterms. Thoughts USMB? What are your energy costs like currently?

Soaring electricity bills could be the sleeper campaign issue of 2025​

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/15/energy-prices-politics-virginia-jersey/

As costs continue to grow, voters are turning their ire toward politicians, shaking up this year’s governors races.
Anger over soaring utility bills is shaking political fault lines, as electricity shortages and price spikes take center stage in nationally watched gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia — and threaten to haunt candidates throughout the country in next year’s midterm elections.

Cheap, reliable electricity is no longer a given, with an energy crunch taking hold far and wide, and forecasts showing no price relief in sight. Average bills have jumped over 10 percent since last year in more than a dozen states — with some seeing increases beyond 20 percent — and more rate hikes have already been announced. Voters are demanding solutions, bringing to the forefront issues that long simmered in the political background, including the massive expansion of energy-hungry data centers, obscure surcharges on electric bills and mandates for clean energy generation.

“People knew a problem was coming, but nobody expected it to emerge so sharply and quickly,” said Dan Cassino, executive director of the Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, which has tracked New Jersey voter opinion on rising energy prices.

He said voters are confused about whom to blame, often pointing the finger at power companies or regulations that are not necessarily the driving forces behind rates going up.

Both Republicans and Democrats see potential to turn ratepayer angst on their opponents, but candidates are finding assigning blame a challenge amid voter confusion over the causes.
Cassino said there is a common theme in how voters are thinking about the issue: “It is one thing people feel like their governor should have leverage to control.”

Because it's a left biased NPR, it is wise to consider whether that bias figures in, but this seems to be a fairly objective article on why electricity costs are rising.

One reason is an aging power grid that has to be replaced. That seems a reasonable factor. But it also interestingly mentioned the significant increase in electricity demand with electric cars and AI. That might need closer scrutiny if true.

https://www.npr.org/2025/10/06/nx-s1-5557166/electric-power-bills-grid-costs-inflation

 

[westwall]

Energy costs continue to rise across a variety of states, becoming a potential political issue in the midterms. Thoughts USMB? What are your energy costs like currently?

Soaring electricity bills could be the sleeper campaign issue of 2025​

https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2025/10/15/energy-prices-politics-virginia-jersey/

As costs continue to grow, voters are turning their ire toward politicians, shaking up this year’s governors races.
Anger over soaring utility bills is shaking political fault lines, as electricity shortages and price spikes take center stage in nationally watched gubernatorial races in New Jersey and Virginia — and threaten to haunt candidates throughout the country in next year’s midterm elections.

Cheap, reliable electricity is no longer a given, with an energy crunch taking hold far and wide, and forecasts showing no price relief in sight. Average bills have jumped over 10 percent since last year in more than a dozen states — with some seeing increases beyond 20 percent — and more rate hikes have already been announced. Voters are demanding solutions, bringing to the forefront issues that long simmered in the political background, including the massive expansion of energy-hungry data centers, obscure surcharges on electric bills and mandates for clean energy generation.

“People knew a problem was coming, but nobody expected it to emerge so sharply and quickly,” said Dan Cassino, executive director of the Fairleigh Dickinson University poll, which has tracked New Jersey voter opinion on rising energy prices.

He said voters are confused about whom to blame, often pointing the finger at power companies or regulations that are not necessarily the driving forces behind rates going up.

Both Republicans and Democrats see potential to turn ratepayer angst on their opponents, but candidates are finding assigning blame a challenge amid voter confusion over the causes.
Cassino said there is a common theme in how voters are thinking about the issue: “It is one thing people feel like their governor should have leverage to control.”

So, the answer is to stop wasting money on expensive, unreliable so called green energy.

 

[Zincwarrior]

So, the answer is to stop wasting money on expensive, unreliable so called green energy.

The answer is cheap nukes.

 

[Stryder50]

Here in PNW (Pacific NorthWest) we've seen our rate from PSE (Puget Sound Energy) go up by @20+% over last years rate (which was also an increase over the previous year).

While population and industry/business growth verses limited supply could be part of the factor,; it would appear the push towards 'Green' is a major cause.

When we drive East on I-90 to go see some of our kids and grandkids, we cross the Columbia River at a place called Vantage. A few miles before getting there, on the West side, we drive past dozens of wind turbines, most to all not moving, or just barely for a couple. Million$ invested and not getting returned, meanwhile PSE has shutdown a few of the coal-fire plants, to satisfy green mandates from state government, and a minority of citizens.

 

[Woodznutz]

Indeed. In august if you go outside after 10.30 you spontaneously catch on fire.

Hmmm. We could use people for fuel, especially the fat ones.

 

[Foxfyre]

Here in PNW (Pacific NorthWest) we've seen our rate from PSE (Puget Sound Energy) go up by @20+% over last years rate (which was also an increase over the previous year).

While population and industry/business growth verses limited supply could be part of the factor,; it would appear the push towards 'Green' is a major cause.

When we drive East on I-90 to go see some of our kids and grandkids, we cross the Columbia River at a place called Vantage. A few miles before getting there, on the West side, we drive past dozens of wind turbines, most to all not moving, or just barely for a couple. Million$ invested and not getting returned, meanwhile PSE has shutdown a few of the coal-fire plants, to satisfy green mandates from state government, and a minority of citizens.

Coal is the most plentiful energy source on Planet Earth and one of the most economical to utilize. We could all be enjoying very affordable electricity to heat and cool our homes, run our equipment, etc. by focusing our energies on how to use coal in environmentally safe ways. And we would need only a fraction of the trillions wasted on so-called green energy in order to do that.

 

[Stryder50]

Coal is the most plentiful energy source on Planet Earth and one of the most economical to utilize. We could all be enjoying very affordable electricity to heat and cool our homes, run our equipment, etc. by focusing our energies on how to use coal in environmentally safe ways. And we would need only a fraction of the trillions wasted on so-called green energy in order to do that.

USA's EPA has placed demand and standards for environmentally safe ways to use coal for electrical generation since the 1980s. One method used by most utilities is;

Flue-gas desulfurization - Wikipedia​

Flue Gas Desulfurization Technology​

Flue Gas Desulfurization - Sigma-Aldrich​

Unfortunately, largest users of coal, PRChina and India, don't do FGD.

 

[westwall]

The answer is cheap nukes.

Well, cheap, but well engineered nukes.

 

[Foxfyre]

I have a cousin who barely escaped with her life during the Paradise fire. She was running down the street holding her dog when a fire truck picked her up.

Our own Gracie here at USMB, her husband and friend barely got out alive running from the Paradise fire. Their van was badly scorched by the flames.

I read somewhere that thousands of wildfires have been started by poorly maintained power lines in Texas and California. Correcting that situation should also be a top priority along with effectively and safely utilizing our very plentiful and cheap American coal.

Subsidizing wind and solar farms and electric vehicles and such should not be any kind of government priority. If they are viable, they can survive and be profitable without taxpayer money. If they can't, they should just quietly go away.

 

[Stryder50]

Well, cheap, but well engineered nukes.

The US Navy seems to have solved that with nuclear powered submarines, aircraft carriers, and other vessels.
Perhaps those nukes should be used in the civilian market ?

 

[1srelluc]

Well, cheap, but well engineered nukes.

CA and NY can build the cheap ones....Maybe get the Chi-Coms to build them for them.

 

[Hafar1014]

Biden presided over record energy output and no amount of bullshit lying can overcome that.

Here we have another progressive who doesnt understand supply and demand. Demand was greater than supply because Biden in one of his worst acts of stupidity suppressed oil production keeping it below demand. That drives prices up. The plan was make gas so expensive people will be forced to drive EV cars. How did that work out. We got inflation because our economy is based on oil its in everything from shoes clothes and plastics.
It doesnt matter how much oil we produce when its not enough

 

[citygator]

Here we have another progressive who doesnt understand supply and demand. Demand was greater than supply because Biden in one of his worst acts of stupidity suppressed oil production keeping it below demand. That drives prices up. The plan was make gas so expensive people will be forced to drive EV cars. How did that work out. We got inflation because our economy is based on oil its in everything from shoes clothes and plastics.
It doesnt matter how much oil we produce when its not enough
View attachment 1173621

You rival Nostradumbass with your ignorance. Look man. Back up your claim. Show me reduced oil output ANYWHERE.


Here is the US data. You see that redline? That is what was passed to Trump. Record oil output.


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