New analysis shows how solar and storage are lowering electricity costs in red and blue states as affordability takes center stage heading into the midterm elections.
WASHINGTON D.C. — As energy affordability emerges as a defining issue heading into the midterm elections, new analysis from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) shows how solar and energy storage are lowering electricity costs in red and blue states alike. Rapid growth in solar and energy storage helped drive down average wholesale electricity prices by 42% in Texas and 51% in California from summer 2021 to summer 2026.
Prices fell even as electricity demand grew in both states, according to the new analysis. Over the same five-year period, solar generation increased 421% in Texas and 90% in California, while battery storage capacity grew more than 26-fold in Texas and nearly sevenfold in California.
From June through August 2026, solar and storage saved Texans approximately $3.55 billion and Californians approximately $2.5 billion compared with the same period in 2021.
“As the midterm elections approach, delivering affordable, reliable power is a priority that transcends party lines and Texas and California are proof that the growth of solar and storage is driving down prices,” said SEIA CEO Tim Pawlenty.
The impact is particularly notable given how much electricity demand increased over the same period. 32/MWh after accounting for inflation. 77/MWh.
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