Former President Donald Trump recently claimed that renewable energy sources are responsible for rising electricity prices across the United States. During campaign stops in Michigan and Wisconsin, Trump asserted that electricity costs have ‘doubled, tripled, quadrupled’ due to the Biden administration’s clean energy policies. However, energy experts and economists have quickly challenged these statements, pointing out that electricity prices have actually risen at a much slower rate than Trump suggested—approximately 21% since President Biden took office, according to federal data.
Experts from across the energy sector emphasize that multiple factors influence electricity prices, with renewable energy often helping to stabilize or even reduce costs in many markets. The primary drivers behind recent price increases include inflation, rising natural gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and necessary grid infrastructure upgrades. Contrary to Trump’s assertions, states with higher renewable energy adoption often experience lower electricity rates, with Iowa—which generates 62% of its electricity from wind—maintaining prices below the national average.
The debate highlights the complex reality of America’s energy transition, where renewable sources like wind and solar have become increasingly cost-competitive with fossil fuels. Energy analysts note that while the initial investment in renewable infrastructure can be substantial, the long-term operational costs tend to be lower since these technologies don’t require ongoing fuel purchases. As the presidential campaign intensifies, voters face contrasting visions for America’s energy future: Trump’s promise to roll back clean energy initiatives versus the Biden administration’s continued push toward renewable sources as both an economic and environmental strategy.