The Daily Signal Affordable Energy? Not After This Winter…And Election | Steve Haner
Feb 5, 2026
Steve Haner, senior fellow at the Thomas Jefferson Institute who analyzes energy policy and utility rates, breaks down rising electric and gas bills after the storm. He discusses how the Clean Economy Act and recent legislative moves are driving costs up. Local tax changes, grid reliability concerns, and political choices shaping higher prices are covered in short, sharp takes.
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Consumers Face Shockingly Higher Winter Bills
- Virginia residents will see shockingly higher electric and natural gas bills after the storm.
- Steve Haner links much of the increase to rate hikes and policy choices, warning the legislature isn't acting to lower costs.
Clean Economy Act Raises Consumer Costs
- The Virginia Clean Economy Act (CEA) drives costs by pushing away gas and coal toward solar and wind.
- Haner says Governor Abigail Spanberger campaigned on those policies and bears philosophical responsibility.
Small Tax Hikes Add Up On Households
- The General Assembly is enabling many small, additive local and state tax increases that raise costs incrementally.
- Haner calls these 'million paper cuts' like local sales, admissions taxes, and REGI charges that compound consumer burden.