Rising electricity prices have become one of the central themes of the U.S. midterm elections.

Electricity rates in the US have risen by more than 10% on average since 2024. In Ohio, the increase exceeds 20%, while high prices have also become a significant problem in Michigan and Pennsylvania. Against the backdrop of rapid data center growth, electricity prices have become one of the key economic issues in the midterm elections.

Some politicians are calling for rate freezes, limits on utility companies' profits, and stronger oversight of them. In nine states, voters will also elect members of energy regulatory commissions.

This year, utility companies have requested a combined $31 billion increase in rates from regulators. At the same time, the sector plans to spend nearly $1.3 trillion over the next five years on developing power transmission grids and new power plants.

Companies say that strict limits on prices and profits could make it harder to raise the funds needed for new projects. In June, Fitch downgraded the sector's rating, citing political pressure as one of the reasons.

The decisions made after the elections will affect both utility companies' plans and the construction of new data centers.

Source: Reuters