click for larger version
An American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) report reveals that local state laws, rather than market forces, dictate retail electricity prices. Expensive states, like those in New England, suffer from distorting policies: Renewable Portfolio Standards, carbon capping, and net metering. These mandates force utilities to purchase costly generation, driving up rates. In contrast, affordable states like Florida and Louisiana maintain low rates by rejecting climate mandates and fostering market competition. Recently, Louisiana significantly improved its affordability ranking by legally classifying nuclear power and natural gas as green energy, proving that realistic state laws can successfully protect consumers from high utility energy bills.
To view this content, log into your member account. (Not a member? Join Today!)
