Utility rates and energy costs
States in 2026 are under pressure to manage rising utility rates as part of broader cost-of-living concerns while responding to federal frameworks and tight budgets. This directly affects household affordability and state regulatory choices that Hawaii voters and officials must weigh.
What should Hawaii do about rising utility rates and energy costs?
How important is this to you?
✓ You told us where you stand
Sources
Governing — https://www.governing.com/politics/the-biggest-issues-to-watch-in-2026
Elected officials are increasingly acting to rein in rising utility rates as part of a broader effort to lower the cost of living.
Pew Research Center — https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2026/07/23/as-the-2026-midterms-approach-economy-is-front-and-center
voters most want candidates running for Congress to talk about economic issues – with many specifically mentioning prices and affordability.
Positions on this issue · liberal → conservative
- Public ownership or heavy rate regulation plus large subsidies for low-income ratepayers
- Stronger PUC caps on rates and accelerated clean-energy investment to cut long-term costs
- Balanced regulation, targeted assistance, and gradual transition without sharp rate shocks
- Ease regulations on generation and transmission to increase supply and competition
- Minimal rate intervention; let markets and fossil expansion drive prices down