EIA data shows competitive energy markets continue to offer consumers more choice and significant potential savings
HARRISBURG, Pa. (Oct. 26, 2026) — Electricity prices in monopoly states have risen at more than twice the rate of those in competitive energy markets since 2008, according to the Retail Energy Supply Association’s (RESA) newly released 2025 energy trend report.
Based on the latest data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the report found that average electricity prices for residential, commercial and industrial customers in monopoly states increased 51.7% between 2008 and 2025, compared with 23% in states with competitive retail energy markets.
The report comes as households and businesses face concerns about energy affordability across the country.
“Electricity prices have gone up everywhere, but the rate of increase has been much higher in monopoly states than restructured states. That difference matters to families trying to pay their bills and businesses watching their operating costs,” said Kristina Montgomery, president of RESA. “The data shows that competitive retail energy markets have a smaller price increase over time. We urge policymakers to look at EIA’s data and find ways to expand consumer options, not limit them. “
The report also calculated what those price differences could have meant for customers. Based on EIA data, the association estimates that customers in monopoly states could have avoided significant electricity costs had prices followed the same trajectory as those in competitive markets. Those potential savings include $267 billion for residential customers, $352 billion for commercial customers and $206 billion for industrial customers over the last 17 years.
Meanwhile, consumers in the 14 states and jurisdictions with retail energy choice saved an estimated $579 billion between 2008 and 2025 compared with what they would have paid if electricity prices had followed the trends in monopoly states.
In 2025, more than 16.28 million residential customers received electricity from competitive retail suppliers, accounting for 46.1% of residential electricity consumption in states and jurisdictions with retail choice. Among commercial and industrial customers in those markets, competitive suppliers provided 86.5% of electricity consumed.
“People want options when it comes to managing their energy bills, just as they do with other household expenses,” said Tracy McCormick, executive director of RESA. “Retail competition gives customers a chance to compare prices, contract terms and products instead of having those decisions made for them. We should be working to protect that ability to choose.”
RESA advocates for policies that keep retail energy markets open to competition and protect customers’ ability to choose their supplier. In states with retail energy choice, customers can compare available supply offers, contract terms and other services rather than relying exclusively on a utility’s default supply option.
The association’s annual energy trend report analyzes EIA data to examine electricity pricing, retail supplier participation and long-term market trends in competitive and monopoly states.
To learn more about RESA and the benefits of energy choice, visit www.resausa.org.
ABOUT THE RETAIL ENERGY SUPPLY ASSOCIATION: RESA is a broad and diverse group of retail energy suppliers who share the common vision that competitive retail electricity and natural gas markets deliver a more efficient, customer-oriented outcome than a regulated utility structure. RESA is devoted to working with all stakeholders to promote vibrant and sustainable competitive retail energy markets for residential and industrial consumers. For more information, visit resausa.org. Follow RESA on LinkedIn and X.
MEDIA CONTACT: Stacey Gaswirth
Press@resausa.org
214-213-4675