ALEC: Florida 34th in energy retail price

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(The Center Square) – Florida is 34th in energy affordability in the Energy Affordability 2026 report from the American Legislative Exchange Council.

ALEC released its analysis on Wednesday. North Dakota and Louisiana were the leaders in the review of electricity prices and energy affordability indicators is measured for each of the 50 states.

Florida was 37th a year ago. The report uses the most recent information available for consistency; this means electricity price data is from 2024, and gasoline and diesel fuel prices are from 2025.

Additionally for context, the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, and the prices of fuel have climbed since. Global energy infrastructure has been impacted by the action and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

ALEC says, “Florida ranks in the lower middle tier of states in average retail prices. As a net importer of electricity, Florida relies predominantly on natural gas generation, which accounts for more than three-quarters of total output, supplemented by nuclear and growing solar resources.

“Florida does not have a Renewable Portfolio Standard or cap-and-trade program, though it does maintain a net metering policy. Fourteen grid incidents were reported in the most recent year across a range of causes, underscoring the importance of maintaining system reliability in a large and weather-exposed state.”

ALEC suggests statutory guidance with priority on affordability, reliability and fuel diversity “could strengthen long-term cost stability and grid performance while supporting continued economic growth.”

The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 12.53. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 266.1 million.

Natural gas (77%), nuclear (11%), solar (7%) and coal (3%) represent the top generation sources.

The state does not have a cap-and-trade. This means permits are not issued for trade to incentives for emission reductions.