JULY 2, 2026
Industry group analysis warns restricting solar and wind could raise U.S. electricity prices by over 6% through 2033
A new analysis commissioned by the Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA) and conducted by NERA finds that constraining new solar and wind resources could cost the U.S. more than $121 billion in economy-wide energy costs from 2027 through 2033. The study projects the average U.S. electricity price could be more than 6% higher over a seven-year period under such constraints. Texas faces the largest projected regional impact, with electricity prices potentially rising more than 22% over the same period.
The Corporate Energy Buyers Association, a trade group representing large commercial electricity buyers, published a study it commissioned from the economic consulting firm NERA, arguing that regulatory barriers preventing solar and wind deployment are a primary driver of rising electricity prices. The piece was authored by CEBA CEO Rich Powell and published as an opinion piece in the Washington Examiner.
The NERA analysis modeled the impact of constraining new solar and wind resources on both electricity and natural gas prices. It found that economy-wide energy costs could exceed $121 billion in additional costs between 2027 and 2033, an amount the piece described as equivalent to adding an extra year of inflation to electricity prices. The study's authors noted that the analysis used conservative assumptions, suggesting actual impacts could be higher.
The piece argued that solar and wind are among the few generation sources that can be deployed in two to three years, compared to seven or more years for many other technologies. It stated that natural gas generation will also be needed to meet projected demand and that investment in carbon capture and storage technologies should continue. The framing centered on "technology-neutral" policy as the solution, advocating that all energy resources — fossil fuels and renewables alike — be allowed to compete without regulatory restriction.