Soaring electricity rates fueled Democratic victories — now comes the hard part

Rising electricity rates — driven in part by surging data center energy demand — became a decisive issue in 2025 elections across Virginia, New Jersey, and Georgia, where Democratic candidates won on promises to lower utility costs. The article examines the challenges new governors face in fulfilling those pledges, including federal headwinds on renewable energy, aging grid infrastructure, and growing demand from AI data centers. Solutions discussed include rate reform, income-based payment plans, and community benefits agreements to ensure data centers contribute to energy affordability.