Restricting new solar and wind resources could cost the United States an additional $121.2 billion in electricity and natural gas expenses from 2027 through 2033, according to a new analysis by the Corporate Energy Buyers Association (CEBA). The study, titled "The Cost of Constraining New Solar and Wind," warns that limitations on these resources will lead to higher energy bills for households and businesses, with Texas facing the most significant financial impact. The analysis compares baseline and high-load-growth scenarios to determine the economic implications of preventing solar and wind from competing against other generation sources.

Projected Cost Increases

The financial burden of these constraints is expected to fall heavily on consumers. Households across the U.S. could see an additional $81.2 billion, or $11.6 billion annually, in electricity and natural gas costs over the modeled seven-year period. Commercial and industrial customers are projected to pay an extra $40 billion, or $5.7 billion annually, in electricity costs alone during the same timeframe.

Impact on Electricity Prices

The study indicates that electricity prices are already rising faster than general inflation, with the U.S. Energy Information Administration estimating annual electricity inflation at about 5%. If new solar and wind resources are constrained, the average U.S. electricity price between 2027 and 2033 could increase by up to 6.1%, reaching $39.7 per megawatt-hour compared to $37.4 per megawatt-hour. CEBA notes this is equivalent to adding an entire extra year of inflation to electricity prices.

Regional Impact on Texas

Texas is identified as the region most vulnerable to these cost increases. Households served by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) could see average electricity costs rise by 22.2% from 2027 through 2033. Economywide, residential and commercial customers in ERCOT may incur $21 billion in additional electricity costs over the seven-year period, averaging $3 billion annually.

Reliability and Policy Recommendations

While all modeled scenarios included new natural gas generation, constraining solar and wind would force greater reliance on natural gas. This shift exposes consumers to fuel price volatility and heightens grid reliability risks during periods of peak energy use. CEBA CEO Rich Powell emphasized the need for all energy options to compete on a level playing field to maintain economic competitiveness. Nidhi Thakar, CEBA's Senior Vice President for Policy, advocated for technology-neutral permitting reforms to remove deployment barriers and ensure reliable, affordable power.

More than half of Millennials are not fully financially independent from their parents, with the average American now expecting to achieve financial independence at age 37, according to the 2026 Planning & Progress Study by Northwestern Mutual. The research highlights that 53% of this generation relies on parental support, driven by economic factors such as record housing costs and high student loan debt. The study, conducted by The Harris Poll among 4,375 U.S. adults, underscores a significant shift in financial milestones for young adults.

Barriers to Financial Independence

The study identifies three primary obstacles preventing Millennials from achieving financial autonomy. Housing and rent prices have outpaced income growth, making independent living increasingly difficult. Consequently, 74% of parents with children at home are considering or have already started planning to provide financial support to help their children move out.

Record-high student loan balances are also dragging financial momentum, consuming income and stalling savings. This debt burden tethers many young adults to their families long after graduation. Furthermore, a confidence gap persists, with 53% of Millennials feeling behind financially despite earning more than previous generations.

Financial Preparedness Gaps

The data reveals significant gaps in financial preparedness among Millennials. Nearly half (43%) lack a retirement account, while 66% do not have an emergency fund. Additionally, 31% of Millennials do not have a savings account at all. These statistics illustrate a broader trend of financial insecurity within the generation.

Impact on Parents

While parental support is common, the financial stakes for parents are real. Jeff Sippel, chief strategy officer at Northwestern Mutual, emphasized the need for a comprehensive plan to achieve financial independence. "True financial independence starts with a comprehensive plan that moves people out of the passenger seat and firmly behind the wheel of their own financial destiny," Sippel said. The study suggests that parental generosity without clear boundaries can erode long-term financial security, necessitating a balance between supporting children and protecting parents' futures.

The 2026 Planning & Progress Study was conducted online between January 5 and January 21, 2026. Data were weighted by age, gender, race/ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income, and propensity to be online to align with actual population proportions.