Corporate media seems to point fingers at President Donald Trump and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) for the spike in electricity prices, while suggesting that Democrats and former President Joe Biden’s aggressive green energy initiatives aren’t at fault.
Some outlets report Trump’s OBBBA is somehow linked to rising energy costs, even as data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) indicates prices were already on the rise during the latter part of the Biden administration. Experts have expressed concerns that the green energy push may compromise grid reliability and that rising electricity demand, especially driven by sectors like artificial intelligence, is leading to increased costs.
Steve Milloy, a senior policy fellow in Energy and Environmental Law, remarked, “Electric prices have risen since the grid became burdened with unreliable and pricey wind and solar energy. Demand continues to increase and will be met by more fossil fuels and nuclear power.” This statement reflects a broader skepticism towards renewable energy sources in the context of rising preliminary costs.
Looking ahead, electricity prices nationwide are projected to climb by 13% from 2022 to 2025, with consumption expected to hit record levels. This comes amid a growing strain on aging energy infrastructure that isn’t being properly updated.
Experts maintain that while the Biden administration has emphasized green technologies, the accompanying regulations on fossil fuels have led to sharp increases in utility bills in various regions. There’s a noticeable trend where states with stricter green mandates are seeing the most dramatic price hikes.
Interestingly, while various grid operators and watchdogs link the current energy crisis to the Democratic climate agenda, many media outlets attribute the blame to Trump. Recent reports suggest that rising electricity costs are now a significant concern leading up to upcoming elections, highlighting the political implications of soaring utility bills.
In Arizona, despite the rise in energy costs, utility companies have indicated they don’t plan to increase fees linked to OBBBA. This follows Arizona Public Service’s decision to abandon its goal of 100% reliance on green energy by 2050 due to reliability concerns.
Some experts argue that the core issues driving up energy prices need to be properly identified. They contend that hasty transitions away from natural gas and towards renewable sources without proper infrastructure could lead to even higher costs. In New England, for instance, high energy prices are exacerbated by limited natural gas supply and stringent clean energy mandates.
Critics have noted that while Democrats may blame Trump, electricity prices experienced more modest increases during his term compared to the rise during Biden’s administration. The Department of Energy has warned that without replacing retiring power plants, potential blackouts could dramatically increase by 2030, emphasizing the importance of stable energy sources like coal and nuclear power in ensuring national electricity needs are met.
