NEW ANALYSIS: Cancelling Energy Projects Could Cost East Coast Customers $45 Billion Over the Next Decade
Jan 29 2026
Washington, D.C. January29, 2026—Cancellingfive major offshore wind projectscould raise electricity costsfor customers on the east coast by an estimated$45 billionover the next decade, according to a new analysis from the 鶹ҹ Association (ACP).As demand soars across the nation, the five projects together would providenearly 6GWof power for the region and powerover 2.5 million homes.
On December 22, the U.S. Department of the Interior issued a stop-work order for five offshore wind projects. These projects that serve regions within the PJM, NYISO, and ISO-New England power markets are already under construction — most are over 70% completed — and have undergone years of review by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of the Interior, the Department of War, and other federal offices.
“It’sa simple supply and demand equation at this point. The demand for energy is increasing, and we need all forms of energy to meet this demand—including offshore wind—or customers will end up paying for it,” saidJohn Hensley, Senior Vice President of Markets and Policy Analysis at ACP. “These projects lower electricity costs. Delaying or cancelling them puts reliability at risk and forces families and businesses to paymore—plainand simple.”
In its analysis, ACP evaluated the impact of removing the five offshore wind projects from the system. The results were then translated into expected retail electricity rates across15 states and Washington, D.C.
The findings show that without these offshore wind resources:
- Wholesale electricity priceswouldrise significantly during evening peaksandwinter hours –including intense winter storms like Fern
- Power systems wouldrely more heavily onnon-renewable sources and leave customers more exposed to pricevolatility
- Grids wouldlose access to low-cost, winter-peaking clean energy that helps stabilize prices during periods of high demand
At peak times, electricity prices are set by the most expensive power plant needed to meet demand. Offshore wind reduces reliance on those high-cost plants, replacing them with steady, lower-cost power that helps stabilize prices.
“The suspension of these projectswill raiseelectricity bills for families and businesses along the East Coast,”Hensleyadded. “The cost of inactioncouldbe felt in monthly utility bills for years to come.”
ACP urges policymakers to consider the significant consumer cost impacts of delaying offshore wind development and to work toward solutions that protect national security while ensuring affordable, reliable electricity for the region.