The United States is currently proposing 133,000 megawatts of new gas-fired capacity, a significant expansion that an Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) report argues overlooks the potential negative impact on consumers. The cost of building new gas-fired generation has escalated in recent years, and these increased expenses are expected to be passed on to consumers through regulated utility rates or higher power prices in competitive markets. Additionally, lengthy construction timelines for these projects could lead to further cost increases due to supply chain issues and competition for skilled labor. If these new projects face delays, local utilities might be forced to purchase electricity from the wholesale market, adding to consumer burden.

Adding to the concern, the growth of U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports is predicted to cause more persistent, long-term increases in gas costs and heightened price volatility. This increased demand from both new power plants and LNG exports creates competition for natural gas, potentially thwarting efforts to lower power bills for households and businesses. Some analysts warn that LNG exports are already driving up utility bills for U.S. households, an issue that could become a political liability, with federal officials noting LNG drove a sharp increase in benchmark natural gas prices in 2025. The American Gas Association reports that natural gas costs constituted about 41% of the average household gas bill in 2024.

IEEFA analysts, such as Dennis Wamsted, contend that this push towards gas-fired generation ignores substantial financial risks, long execution timelines, and competition from more affordable and quicker-to-build renewable energy and battery storage options. Wind and solar power, along with dispatchable battery storage, are highlighted as having stable costs, readily available hardware, and shorter construction periods (18 to 36 months). These renewable solutions offer firm power and fixed costs, shielding consumers from the volatile fuel costs associated with natural gas and the high capital costs of new gas infrastructure. Federal energy forecasters have consistently indicated that LNG exports are exerting upward pressure on utility prices.