America’s aging power grid has faced strain for years, exacerbated by severe weather events, an explosion of data centers and the demand created by artificial intelligence.

Now, electricity is emerging as a top issue on the campaign trail.

Campaigns in this fall’s races for New Jersey and Virginia governors, as well as candidates in the upcoming midterms, are taking note of surging utility bills, in the latest sign that affordability has become central to campaigns at all levels.

In her first general election campaign ad , US Rep. Mikie Sherrill, the Democratic gubernatorial nominee in New Jersey, declares that on “Day One as governor, I’m declaring a state of emergency on utility costs, using emergency powers to end these rate hikes and drive down your bills.”

Jack Ciattarelli, Sher

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