Source: EIA Electricity prices are surging across the U.S., thrusting energy affordability into the political spotlight. From Virginia to New Jersey, escalating costs are fueling debate as utilities grapple with soaring demand from AI-driven data centers and rapid electrification. In the PJM region — spanning Illinois to New Jersey — wholesale power costs have climbed more than 30% year-over-year , according to Reuters and EIA data. Much of this increase stems from the surge