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Private equity firms have invested nearly $200 billion in data center-related industries since January 2022, driving a strategy of acquiring vertically integrated retail energy utilities and fossil fuel power plants to secure power for AI infrastructure. BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) has acquired ALLETE Inc. and is pursuing a $38 billion takeover of AES, while Blackstone has invested in the Potomac Energy Center and is seeking to acquire TXNM Energy. The report argues that this expansion risks creating stranded high-emitting assets if AI demand is overestimated, while already causing increased electricity costs for ratepayers—rising up to 267% in some data center hubs—and significant environmental degradation. Organized community resistance has already delayed or blocked $64 billion in data center projects across 24 U.S. states.

The report analyzes a new purchase guarantee for domestic coal power plants in Turkey, which will provide a price of 75 USD/MWh for 60% of their electricity production until 2030. This mechanism is estimated to cost 8.7 billion USD and represents a 12% increase over the average sales price of the last year. The document highlights that these plants will continue to receive support through the existing capacity mechanism regardless of whether they generate electricity, meaning the new guarantee exceeds the total costs determined by TEİAŞ by 27%.

The report analyzes a Turkish government incentive providing a $75 USD/MWh purchase guarantee for 60% of electricity generated by domestic coal plants until 2030, estimated to cost $8.7 billion. It highlights that this guarantee is 12% higher than recent average market prices and 27% higher than the total costs determined by the Turkish Electricity Transmission Corporation (TEİAŞ). Additionally, these plants continue to receive payments under a capacity mechanism that covers fixed and variable costs regardless of generation.

The policy brief examines the introduction of solar-hour time of day (ToD) tariffs for Indian households starting April 1, 2025. It assesses how these tariffs, which offer rebates during solar generation hours and surcharges during peak hours, affect non-rooftop solar (non-RTS) and rooftop solar (RTS) consumers across several states. The analysis finds that while non-RTS consumers may see bill reductions of 1-4%, RTS consumers may face longer payback periods due to peak surcharges. The author emphasizes that successful implementation requires accelerated smart meter deployment and state-specific, seasonal tariff designs.

The report argues that repealing federal clean energy tax credits and funding programs would lead to significant job losses, increased household energy costs, reduced GDP, and higher air pollution levels in the United States between 2025 and 2035.

The document argues that repealing federal technology-neutral electricity tax credits (§45Y and §48E) would significantly increase household energy bills across the United States. Drawing on analyses from multiple research groups, it estimates that national annual household energy bills would rise by $40–$60 in 2030, $56–$150 in 2035, and $140–$220 by 2040. The report highlights that these credits lower costs by reducing investment expenses for wind, solar, battery, nuclear, and geothermal projects, savings which utilities are regulated to pass on to consumers. Repeal would likely lead to substantial price hikes in specific states, with some households facing increases over $500 annually.

In 2024, the EU experienced record growth in solar generation and capacity, with all member states seeing increases. However, the rapid expansion has led to more frequent zero or negative power prices and wider intraday price spreads. To manage this and maintain the trajectory toward 2030 targets, the report advocates for the accelerated rollout of clean flexibility tools, specifically battery storage, smart electrification, and grid modernization.

The document analyzes the role of electricity supply as a climate adaptation tool for groundwater pumping, specifically highlighting how low night-time tariffs in Mexico have led to increased pumping and higher emissions, threatening aquifer sustainability and riparian ecosystems.

The document analyzes the nexus of energy, water, and climate in Mexico, arguing that subsidized nighttime electricity tariffs have incentivized indiscriminate groundwater pumping, undermining water conservation efforts and threatening aquifer sustainability. It estimates that emissions from agricultural groundwater extraction in Mexico account for 3.6% of total national emissions.

The document examines how current electricity rate designs in the U.S. often overcharge heat pump users because their peak demand occurs in winter, while grid peaks typically occur in summer. Using data from NIPSCO in Northern Indiana, the brief demonstrates that aligning rates with the actual cost of service could save electrified customers hundreds of dollars annually. It proposes several rate reform options—including seasonal heating rates, time-varying rates, and separate customer classes—while emphasizing the need for affordability measures for low-income households and the long-term evolution of rates as the grid transitions to clean energy.

The analysis finds that complying with revised Clean Electricity Regulations (CER) is technically achievable for SaskPower without jeopardizing grid reliability. While the Saskatchewan government previously claimed rates would double by 2035, this modelling indicates that residential electricity rates would only increase by 6–9% relative to a baseline scenario. The CER would significantly reduce cumulative greenhouse gas emissions between 2025 and 2050 by accelerating the adoption of carbon capture and storage and increasing imports of clean electricity from Manitoba.

The document outlines the transformation of China's power sector through the lens of its second round of power market reforms initiated in 2015. It highlights the development of a market-oriented system involving pricing reforms and new mechanisms for transmission, distribution, and spot markets to support clean energy goals.

The report finds that U.S. residential electricity rates have generally kept pace with economy-wide inflation since 2010, and that states with high clean energy growth often see rates rise slower than inflation. Instead, the report identifies natural gas price volatility, wildfire mitigation and liability costs, aging coal plant investments, and rising transmission and distribution costs as the primary drivers of rate spikes. It further argues that the regulated utility business model incentivizes capital-heavy investments over more cost-effective operational solutions, which compounds these costs for consumers.

The document argues that the U.S. coal fleet is already in a sustained economic decline, making the EPA's emissions rules a catalyst for prudent utility planning rather than a source of economic or reliability risk. It asserts that the 2032 compliance timeline is sufficient for utilities to procure replacement resources, citing hundreds of gigawatts of 'shovel-ready' projects in interconnection queues. The authors maintain that 'baseload' coal is no longer necessary for grid stability, as portfolios of wind, solar, battery storage, and low-utilization gas can meet peak loads and growing demand without compromising reliability.

Earthjustice warns that a new 'model' bill for cryptocurrency mining, promoted by the Satoshi Action Fund, would shield miners from local zoning and noise ordinances and interfere with utility regulators' ability to set fair electricity rates. The briefing details how proof-of-work mining strains electric grids, increases electricity costs for residents, causes significant noise and environmental pollution, and fails to deliver promised economic benefits.

The report analyzes EU energy data from 2021 to 2023 to demonstrate how reliance on gas as a marginal electricity generator increases price volatility and energy inflation. It highlights that gas set electricity prices 55% of the time in 2022 and notes that energy inflation (HICP energy) typically rises between 20% and 45% when electricity prices exceed 150€/MWh. The author criticizes the EU's expansion of LNG infrastructure as a source of further volatility and calls on the European Central Bank to support renewable energy and energy efficiency to maintain long-term price stability.

The briefing analyzes the relationship between gas dependency, electricity prices, and inflation in the EU from 2021 to 2023. It finds that gas-based marginal pricing drives electricity costs and energy inflation, while renewable energy and energy efficiency can lower and stabilize these prices. The authors contend that the ECB's current broad interest rate hikes hinder the capital-intensive investments needed for this transition, potentially undermining the bank's own price stability mandate. They recommend targeted monetary policy to support the energy transition.

Cryptocurrency mining in Texas has grown rapidly, with five of the ten largest Bitcoin mines located in the state as of April 2023. These operations consume vast amounts of energy, which the document claims drives up electricity prices for consumers and increases emissions from gas and coal plants. The report highlights how miners profit from Texas's deregulated energy market and ERCOT's demand-response programs, often receiving subsidies and tax exemptions while providing few local jobs. Additionally, the document notes negative local impacts, including significant noise pollution and the diversion of water resources in drought-stricken areas.

The report finds that electric vehicle (EV) drivers in all U.S. states can expect cost savings per trip and annually compared to gas vehicle drivers. The highest savings occur in Washington State due to high gasoline prices and low residential electricity rates, while the lowest savings are found in Hawaii due to higher electricity costs. The analysis focuses on three vehicle classes—sedans, SUVs, and trucks—using 2023 base models and a mix of home and public charging data.

The report argues that federal investments in clean electricity will lower overall energy expenses for Canadians by 2050, despite modest increases in electricity rates, provided that provinces implement targeted affordability measures for low-income households.