Powering America as the State of the Union Approaches

Powering America as the State of the Union Approaches

Powering America as the State of the Union Approaches

WASHINGTON (February 24, 2026) - Ahead of the State of the Union, America's electric companies are a cornerstone of the nation's economic strength-delivering reliable energy, deploying new technologies, and supporting jobs in every state.

"America's investor-owned electric companies power the grid-the most important engine in our country. EEI and our member companies have been working closely with the Trump Administration throughout the past year to strengthen grid reliability and lower energy costs for all customers," said Drew Maloney, President and CEO of the Edison Electric Institute (EEI). "Through significant investments in infrastructure and in our communities, we are powering the economy and delivering the energy of every day for nearly 250 million Americans."

Investor-owned electric companies are committed to building a stronger future by continuing to strengthen the energy grid and investing in tomorrow's demands-so every American and every business can thrive.

• The electric power industry is a key economic driver, supporting more than 7 million American jobs (1 in 20 jobs nationwide) and 5 percent of U.S. GDP.
• EEI members supply the energy of every day to nearly 3 in 4 Americans.
• EEI members will make more than $1.1 trillion in grid investments through 2029 to power economic prosperity.
• Every day, EEI members collectively connect more than 3,200 new residential customers and nearly 200 new businesses to the grid.
• EEI members recognize the financial hardships many customers are facing and are working around the clock to manage costs, protect customers, and invest in the communities we serve.
• An independent analysis conducted by Charles River Associates (CRA) found that average retail electricity rates have largely tracked inflation during the past five years. The study concluded that electricity rates have remained broadly stable in 68 percent of states, with upward shifts in customer costs confined to specific regions and driven by local factors rather than the result of a nationwide trend.
• The CRA analysis also found that data centers have generally not caused retail rate increases, with one exception in parts of the PJM region where capacity price increases were driven partly by data center demand.
• For every dollar Americans spend, 1.3 cents is for electricity, 16.7 cents goes toward healthcare, 15.6 cents for housing, and 7.5 cents for groceries.
• The scale of EEI members drives cost-effective investment in modern infrastructure and innovative technologies that strengthen service, lower customer costs, and enhance grid reliability. It also powers mutual assistance networks that are always ready to restore electricity to neighbors in need and provide the energy of every day.

Find additional industry facts here and learn more by tuning into EEI's Electric Perspectives podcast.