Washington, D.C. — As electricity costs rise, a new analysis from the Center for American Progress shows how the most successful responses by state officials are those that protect consumers today while continuing to invest in energy efficiency and clean energy resources that lower bills over time.
The analysis highlights states such as Rhode Island and Massachusetts, along with Washington, D.C., that have recently rejected or reversed proposals to scale back energy efficiency investments, recognizing that short-term cuts to cost-effective investments can come at the expense of long-term affordability.
Rather than sacrificing savings from efficiency investments for the sake of immediate relief, states should pair long-term investments with policies that simultaneously protect ratepayers in the short term. This could include offering innovative financing for energy efficiency programs and making artificial intelligence (AI) data centers pay their fair share and cover the costs of efficiency and grid upgrades.
The analysis finds that states do not have to choose between near-term affordability and long-term savings. The most durable affordability strategy pairs immediate bill relief with continued investment in the resources that lower energy costs over time.
Read the analysis: “The Long Game on Energy Affordability” by Frederick Bell
For more information or to speak with an expert, please contact Sam Hananel at [email protected].