The cost of electricity has become a hot-button issue in the 2026 election, and politicians have pointed their fingers at any number of culprits to avoid responsibility. Some progressive activists contend that grid investments by utility companies are primarily motivated by a desire to increase profits rather than to serve customers. However, that narrative ignores the reality that improving our grid is essential to strengthening reliability and supporting economic growth. 

The heavily regulated utility industry is not in any position to gouge its customers, and there’s no evidence that utility profits have increased in the last few years. The reality is that setting electricity rates is a very complex process that involves weighing customer protection and future investment, and any rate increases are done only with the approval of public utility commissions.