New National Poll: Americans Demand Action on Rising Energy Costs, Support Modernizing the Grid and Expanding Domestic Energy Production

May 26, 2026 – LANSING, Mich. – A new national survey released today by the Conservative Energy Network (CEN) and conducted by Cygnal finds that Americans are increasingly concerned about rising energy costs and are ready to support practical, market-oriented solutions to lower electricity costs, modernize the grid, and expand domestic energy production.

The survey of 1,500 likely general election voters nationwide found broad bipartisan agreement that the United States must act to address rising electricity demand, aging infrastructure, and affordability concerns as the nation faces the fastest growth in electricity demand in decades driven by artificial intelligence, data centers, manufacturing reshoring, and broader economic expansion. The results underscore growing voter recognition that America’s energy infrastructure is directly tied to the nation’s global economic competitiveness and national security.

The data tells a clear story: rising electricity costs are hitting American families hard, and voters want action. 82% percent of voters say they are concerned about the affordability of their electricity bills, and more than 72% report their family’s electricity bill has gone up over the past two years. Keeping electricity costs affordable ranked as voters’ single top energy policy priority, followed by ensuring the grid remains reliable and blackout-proof.

“Americans are feeling real pain from rising electricity costs,” said John Szoka, CEO of the Conservative Energy Network. “They are tired of watching energy prices rise while too little gets done to solve the problem. This polling shows voters are looking for practical solutions, not political gridlock. They want America to build again.”

And they are paying close attention. Energy affordability is rapidly becoming a top political issue ahead of the mid-term elections. 80% of voters said a candidate’s position on energy affordability and electricity costs is important to their vote, while nearly two-thirds said they would be more likely to support a congressional candidate who backs grid modernization and expanded domestic energy production.

The survey also found strong support for modernizing America’s aging electricity infrastructure:

• 92% said it is important to modernize and upgrade the U.S. electricity grid.
• 78% support investing in transmission infrastructure if it lowers electricity bills in the long run and improves reliability.
• 73% support streamlining permitting for new transmission infrastructure so long as landowner rights are maintained.
• 75% support streamlining permitting for new energy generation projects, including nuclear, natural gas, solar, and wind, as long as environmental and safety standards are considered.
• 72% support investing in expanding and modernizing the electricity transmission grid to improve reliability, reduce long-term costs, and meet future power needs.

Importantly, the polling found voters are willing to support near-term investments if they believe those investments will deliver long-term savings and greater reliability. The data suggests voters are increasingly willing to give policymakers and developers permission to build needed energy infrastructure if projects are paired with transparency, consumer benefits, and protections for landowners and local communities.

Notably, voters overwhelmingly said the companies driving new electricity demand should be responsible for associated infrastructure upgrade costs and demonstrate how they will power new operations before receiving permits to build.

“Voters understand that America’s energy future requires building,” Szoka continued. “But they also want accountability, fairness, and protection from increasing prices. Americans support new infrastructure when costs are shared fairly, private property rights are respected, and the end result is lower prices and more reliable power.”

“This is no longer a niche policy issue,” Szoka concluded. “Energy affordability, grid reliability, and America’s ability to build energy infrastructure are rapidly becoming defining economic and political issues. Voters are clearly demanding leaders who are willing to take action.”

The survey was conducted by Cygnal from May 4-7, 2026, among 1,500 likely general election voters nationwide and carries a margin of error of ±2.53%. Full results may be viewed here.

Conservative Energy Network (CEN) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coalition of 26 state-based conservative clean energy organizations championing secure, reliable, affordable, clean American energy. Learn more at www.conservativeenergynetwork.org.