energy affordability

As federal efforts threaten to weaken or dismantle common-sense energy efficiency programs, state and local leadership is more important than ever. Rising energy demand and spiking utility bills are pushing policymakers to prioritize strategies that provide both immediate and long-term relief. Energy efficiency, demand flexibility, and virtual power plants remain the most cost-effective tools available.

Energy affordability was a major theme at this year’s NEEP Summit 2026 | The Power of Us.

Energy affordability is a priority for states across the country – and Maryland is no exception. Last month, Maryland legislators passed the Utility RELIEF Act, a wide-ranging law that reforms several policy areas, including utility ratemaking, data center tariffs, solar permitting, energy efficiency, and utility bill assistance.  

States across the Northeast and MidAtlantic have spent years strengthening equity in their energy efficiency programs. Community partnerships have grown, participation gaps have narrowed, and policies have evolved to ensure that underserved households and small businesses gain access to the benefits of energy savings.  

Retrofitting homes and buildings to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is a big but necessary task for Northeast and Mid-Atlantic States and cities committed to climate stabilization goals.