(The Center Square) – Mississippi is 19th in electricity 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 as measured for each of the 50 states.
Mississippi was 17th 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, “Mississippi maintains more affordable electricity largely due to its reliance on natural gas and nuclear generation, with smaller contributions from coal, solar, and wood. Its position as a net exporter also helps keep prices competitive.
“The state does not have a renewable portfolio standard or cap-and-trade program but does allow net metering. These limited mandates help contain costs for consumers and businesses. Eight grid incidents were reported in the most recent year, including weather, system operations, and other events.”
ALEC suggests adoption of the Affordable, Reliable and Clean Energy Security Act framework to establish “clear statutory guidance on affordability, reliability, and domestic production could support continued cost stability and strengthen long-term energy resilience.”
The report says the average retail price in cents per kilowatt-hour is 10.93. Total retail sales in megawatt-hours are 77.3 million.
Natural gas (8%), nuclear (14%), coal (4%), solar (2%) and wood (2%) 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.
