Voter dissatisfaction with the rising cost of living is set to shape the upcoming midterm elections, particularly in regions grappling with escalating electric bills and the impact of energy-hungry data centers. Recent elections in New Jersey and Virginia, particularly in data center-dense areas, highlighted electricity costs as a critical concern. Voters in various states, including California and New York City, ranked economic factors as their primary issues, setting the stage for an intense political climate as both parties prepare for a fierce battle to seize control of Congress.
Rising electric bills are emerging as a prominent topic. They are increasing at a pace that exceeds general inflation rates in many areas. As Dan Cassino, a political expert and Fairleigh Dickinson University professor, noted, the pressure on politicians to address affordability issues is mounting, with electricity costs serving as a clear illustration of ongoing economic struggles.
Looking ahead, utility companies are already requesting substantial rate increases, amounting to more than $34 billion within the first three quarters of 2025, a significant rise from the previous years. With approximately 80 million Americans facing challenges in covering their utility bills, many are confronted with stark choices regarding basic necessities, according to Charles Hua, founder of consumer advocacy group PowerLines.
In Georgia, growing tensions around proposed data center constructions have ignited community debates, especially after Democrats successfully won seats on the state’s utility regulatory commission by criticizing the perceived ease with which Republicans approved rate increases. With Georgia Power bills having surged six times over the past two years—averaging $175 monthly for residential customers—the issue resonates deeply with voters. Advocates like newly elected Democrat Peter Hubbard are questioning whether data centers will contribute their fair share of costs, given the company’s plans to invest $15 billion to expand its capacity largely for data center demand.
As the midterm elections approach, battlegrounds will likely arise in states experiencing rapidly increasing electric bills and fierce discussions regarding data centers. Analysts attribute the hikes to several factors, including costs tied to grid modernization and demand from industries such as data centers and bitcoin mining. As Jennifer Bosco, from the National Consumer Law Center, stated, the prevailing cost of utilities is becoming a major concern for consumers, comparable to grocery prices.
The demand from data centers, which can consume as much electricity as entire cities, poses challenges as states attempt to support economic growth while ensuring regular ratepayers aren’t burdened by the costs associated with these projects. While some communities oppose the establishment of nearby data centers, others worry about the implications for their energy bills.
Polls reflect that electricity expenses are a significant source of stress for many Americans, even as other financial pressures, such as grocery prices, loom large. The disparity in electric rates across various states adds further complexity, with for-profit utilities generally raising rates more steeply than municipal providers.
In regions like the mid-Atlantic, ratepayers are already incurring costs associated with powering data centers that have yet to be constructed, prompting state governors to advocate for measures that contain further increases. State leaders across the political spectrum are feeling the pressure as voters grow increasingly attentive to utility costs.
As midterm elections draw near, the ongoing discussions around electric bills and the impact of data centers promise to be at the forefront of voter concerns, likely influencing election outcomes in key battleground states.
