Electricity prices are surging across the country as a perfect storm of aging equipment and AI demand slams the nation's grid.

Why it matters: Paying more to keep air conditioners, laptops and other electronics running is straining household budgets as Americans deal with other rising costs.

The big picture: Prices are up and projected to keep rising in 2026, even as President Trump campaigned on pledges to sharply cut energy costs. • The nationwide average retail residential price for electricity is about 7% higher than this time last year and 32% higher than it was five years ago, according to Energy Department data.

Zoom in: These surging prices are driven by infrastructure problems, public policy and — increasingly — massive new AI data centers.

1. Outdated power grid. Experts sa

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