Fact Check: "New bill could lead to electricity shortages and skyrocketing prices."
What We Know
Recent analyses indicate that the proposed "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" could significantly impact electricity prices and availability in the U.S. According to multiple studies, the bill is expected to eliminate support for clean energy, which could lead to increased electricity costs and reduced generation capacity. For instance, the Aurora Energy Research estimates that household electricity bills could rise by as much as 22% in some states, with a projected reduction of 237 GW in clean energy generation capacity (One Bad Backward Bill Will Hurt the Nation).
Furthermore, the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) forecasts a 13% increase in average electricity prices from 2022 to 2025, with certain regions experiencing even higher increases (U.S. electricity prices continue steady increase). This trend is exacerbated by rising demand for electricity, particularly due to the growth of data centers and other energy-intensive industries (Electricity Prices Are Surging. The G.O.P. Megabill Could ...).
Analysis
The evidence suggests that the new bill could indeed lead to higher electricity prices and potential shortages. The analyses from various organizations consistently indicate that the elimination of clean energy tax credits and support will hinder investment in renewable energy sources. For example, the National Economic Research Associates predict an increase in residential electricity prices by 6.7% by 2026 and 7.3% by 2029 (One Bad Backward Bill Will Hurt the Nation).
Additionally, the EIA's projections of a steady increase in electricity prices, which are expected to outpace inflation through 2026, further corroborate the claim that consumers will face higher costs (U.S. electricity prices continue steady increase). The potential for electricity shortages is also highlighted by the Brattle Group's analysis, which notes that limited new gas-fired generation could lead to power supply shortfalls (One Bad Backward Bill Will Hurt the Nation).
While some sources may exhibit bias—such as those advocating for clean energy—multiple independent analyses converge on the conclusion that the proposed legislation will likely lead to increased costs and reduced energy availability. This convergence lends credibility to the claims regarding the bill's potential negative impacts.
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The claim that the new bill could lead to electricity shortages and skyrocketing prices is supported by substantial evidence from various analyses. The elimination of clean energy support is projected to increase electricity costs significantly and could result in reduced generation capacity, contributing to potential shortages. The consensus among multiple credible sources reinforces the validity of this claim.
