The theme of the sixth PowerShift publication is “Affordability,” exploring the uphill climb utilities face as AI load growth, data center demand, and aging infrastructure push costs up while public trust slips. With residential electricity prices up nearly 40% since 2020 and rate increase requests at record highs, affordability has moved from policy circles to kitchen tables. This issue examines why public perception now shapes what gets built, how the bill has become the proving ground for trust, and how utilities can design affordability in earlier through rate design, customer-level impact modeling, targeted assistance, and connected digital experiences.
“Affordability is the gatekeeper of the clean energy transition. It’s really hard to turn attention to protecting the planet when you’re struggling to pay your bills.”
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