US Electricity Costs Surge Across Multiple States Amid AI Demand and Policy Shifts

Six months into President Donald Trump's second term, the cost of living, particularly for essentials like beef and eggs, has risen significantly, with advocacy groups attributing these increases to Trump's tariffs and Republican-backed corporate tax breaks. Electricity costs have also surged across the U.S., with states like Maryland and Indiana experiencing some of the highest increases in decades, driven by factors including green energy policies, rising demand from AI data centers, and the continuation of aging fossil fuel power plants. Democratic leaders have criticized Trump’s energy policies for exacerbating rising power bills and cutting federal programs that aid low-income Americans, while eliminating incentives for cheaper renewable energy sources like wind and solar. A letter from Democratic senators to Trump's cabinet highlights concerns that the administration's approach is driving energy prices higher instead of lowering them as promised. Meanwhile, the growth of AI and data centers is placing unprecedented strain on electricity grids, compounding costs and challenging current energy infrastructure. These dynamics have become a focal point for Democrats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections, framing the rising energy expenses as a key political issue.