Editor’s note: It is no coincidence that new reports are showing that New England, and indeed all states involved with the Northeast’s Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, rank among the states with highest electricity costs. Climate Realism has pointed out many times that renewables are not cheaper than traditional resources, and states that have a large penetration of renewables suffer from higher energy costs, as well as less grid stability.
Guest post by Christen Smith, from The Center Square.
(The Center Square) – Residents in New England pay more for electricity than nearly all others, according to the Energy Affordability 2026 report from the American Legislative Exchange Council.
ALEC released its analysis on Wednesday. North Dakota and Louisiana were the leaders in the review of electricity prices and energy affordability indicators as measured for each of the 50 states. The higher the ranking, the less expensive the costs for consumers.
Vermont (41), Maine (42), New Hampshire (44), Massachusetts (46), Rhode Island (47) and Connecticut (48) ranked among the 10 most expensive. New York (43), Alaska (45), California (49) and Hawaii (50) rounded out the top 10.
The report uses the most recent information available for consistency; this means electricity price data is from 2024, and gasoline and diesel fuel prices are from 2025.
Additionally for context, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, and the prices of fuel have climbed since. Global energy infrastructure has been impacted by the action and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.
Connecticut
ALEC says, “Connecticut has one of the highest average electric rates in the nation. It produces the vast majority of its electricity through natural gas and nuclear, with small contributions from solar, hydroelectric, and other sources. Though it is a net exporter of electricity, increased supply has not helped reduce rates for consumers.”
ALEC suggests “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 24.37. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 27.5 million.
Natural gas (58%), nuclear (38%), hydroelectric (1%) and solar (1%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted a 37% renewable portfolio standard by 2030.
Maine
ALEC says, “Maine reflects some of the highest average retail electricity prices in the nation. As a net exporter of electricity, the state relies on a diverse generation mix led by natural gas, hydroelectric, and wind, with additional contributions from wood and solar.”
ALEC suggests “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 19.66. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 11.3 million.
Natural gas (44%), hydroelectric (19%), wind (17%), wood (11%) and solar (6%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2040.
Massachusetts
ALEC says, “Massachusetts maintains some of the highest retail electricity prices in the nation. Domestic generation capacity is dominated by natural gas, with smaller contributions from solar, hydroelectric, wind, and petroleum. The state is a net importer of electricity, relying on external contributions to meet demand.”
ALEC suggests “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 23.94. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 49.4 million.
Natural gas (77%), solar (10%), hydroelectric (4%), wind (1%) and petroleum (1%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted an 80% renewable portfolio standard by 2050.
New Hampshire
ALEC says, “New Hampshire faces some of the highest electricity costs in the nation despite serving as a net exporter of power. The state’s generation mix is anchored by nuclear energy, supported by natural gas, hydroelectric power, wood, and wind.”
The Granite State is “currently working on legislation that creates strong definitions for “affordable”, “reliable”, and “clean” energy sources, according to the report. ALEC says “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 20.61. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 10.9 million.
Nuclear (57%), natural gas (26%), hydroelectric (8%), wind (3%) and wood (3%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted a 25.2% renewable portfolio standard by 2025.
Rhode Island
ALEC says, “Rhode Island faces some of the highest electricity prices in the nation. As a net exporter with a highly concentrated generation mix, the state remains sensitive to regional market conditions and policy-driven cost structures.”
The report says, “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 24.15. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 7.4 million.
Natural gas (90%), solar (6%) and wind (2%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2033.
Vermont
ALEC says, “Vermont experiences relatively high electricity prices. Its in-state generation is primarily hydroelectric, supplemented by wind, wood, and solar, resulting in a resource mix heavily shaped by renewable mandates. Although Vermont exports electricity to other states, it imports electricity from Canada, leading to a complex role in the regional grid.”
The report says, “establishing clearer statutory priorities around affordability, reliability, and domestic production could help address cost pressures while strengthening long-term grid stability.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 18.41. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 5.5 million.
Hydroelectric (57%), wind (16%), wood (15%) and solar (10%) represent the top generation sources. The state has adopted a 100% renewable portfolio standard by 2030.
