Overview
- Nearly half of last year’s rate-hike requests remain unresolved entering 2026, and state commissions are expected to scrutinize them more closely after consumer backlash.
- Federal data show residential electricity prices rose 7% in 2025 and piped gas 11%, with many approved increases set to reach customer bills this year.
- The South led all regions with $14.3 billion in requests, highlighted by Florida Power & Light’s record $6.9 billion settlement after initially proposing $9.8 billion.
- Utilities’ capital-return model and fast-rising data-center load underpin the push for new spending, while researchers warn regulators to vet demand forecasts to avoid costly overbuilds.
- The debate has broadened to policy and industry leaders, with President Donald Trump pledging to prevent data centers from raising household bills and Microsoft saying it will pay its own way for power.