How to Advocate for Energy Choice in Your State
People wondered why your utility bills keep creeping up, or why switching power providers isn’t as easy as ordering coffee from a new café. At the Alliance for Competitive Power (ACP), we know you care about making sure your community isn’t boxed in by outdated systems.
As we move through 2026, the demand for electricity is surging due to AI data centers and a shift toward electric vehicles. Tackling these hurdles is about more than just paperwork—it’s about pushing for real, meaningful energy choice in your state. Let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into how you can spark the change we deserve in electricity markets.
What Is Energy Choice and Why Should You Care?
You can pick your phone carrier, your internet company, and even your streaming service. But for electricity? In too many states, you get stuck with just one option. That’s where energy choice steps in. It’s about giving you the right to choose your own electricity supplier, breaking the hold of the utility monopolies.
Competition drives innovation and provides flexibility. For example, as of early 2026, competitive markets are leading the way in integrating "Virtual Power Plants" (VPPs), which allow you to coordinate your home battery or EV charger to save money. Polling suggests that a staggering 87% of Americans support expanding market competition to give consumers more control over their energy costs.
Team Up for Success: Why Coalitions Matter
No one wins this fight solo. Think of successful advocacy as putting together a band with many different talents. Business coalitions, neighborhood groups, and consumer watchdogs are all coming together in 2026 to demand a "middle ground" that balances renewables with reliable "firm" power like natural gas. By sharing stories and resources, you boost your message's impact on lawmakers who are increasingly worried about energy affordability heading into the midterms.
Advocate with the Facts: Data Is Your Best Friend
What really sways decision-makers? Cold, hard evidence. The R Street Institute Scorecard ranks states on their embrace of competitive policies, including smart metering and friendliness to distributed resources. Texas currently leads the pack with an "A-," while states in the Northeast and Midwest like Illinois and Pennsylvania follow closely behind.
And don't overlook the findings from the FTI Consulting study conducted for the ACP. The results are clear:
Lower Costs: Average customer rates in vertically integrated (monopoly) markets grew by 86 cents more per kWh compared to competitive states between 1996 and 2022.
Lower Emissions: Emissions in restructured states fell 10% faster than in regulated states.
Better Reliability: Competitive regions experienced an average of 5% fewer outages and perform better during severe weather.
Speak to What Matters, Make Your Message Local
Every state has unique concerns. In Colorado, for instance, voters are currently focused on a balanced strategy of renewables and natural gas to maintain grid stability. When advocating:
Know your state's scorecard: Check if your state is a "B" student or failing on competition.
Focus on Affordability: With 83% of voters placing affordability at the top of their concerns, emphasize how competition lowers the "non-commodity" costs that now make up nearly 60% of bills.
Address the "AI Surge": Discuss how competition can quickly deliver the "firm capacity" needed for new data centers without raising rates for residents.
Your Advocacy Playbook: Steps to Boost Energy Choice
Band together: Rally local businesses and consumer champions.
Use the Scorecard: Point to your state’s R Street Grade to show where there's room for improvement.
Personalize your message: Talk about local bill increases-66% of voters reported higher bills last year.
Meet with lawmakers: Use the legislative session to push for "organized wholesale markets."
Leverage the ACP Video Library: Share clips that explain how private investors-not ratepayers-should bear the risk of new power projects.
Stay alert to federal moves: Visit our News page for updates on the Energy Choice Act and other national reforms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why do most Americans support energy choice? It saves money, inspires innovation, and shifts financial risk from you to private investors.
How can I find data for my state? The R Street Scorecard is the best tool for tracking state-level reform.
What if my state is a monopoly? Advocacy is even more critical there. Focus on the success of restructured states like Texas or Pennsylvania as a model for reform.
Conclusion: Standing up for energy choice isn’t just a policy debate; it’s about shaping the future for your family. As we face record-breaking electricity demand in 2026, your voice matters more than ever.
