Energy Resources 101: AOER’s resource primer makes it easy to understand the differing attributes of various energy resources.
Americans rely on affordable, reliable electricity to power their homes and businesses every second of every day. However, not all energy sources are created equal—some provide consistent power at a lower cost, while others come with hidden expenses and reliability concerns.
📊 What Americans Need to Know:
- Coal and natural gas offer some of the lowest-cost electricity options, with costs of $34.10/MWh and $33.07/MWh, respectively. They are dispatchable, meaning they can be ramped up or down to match demand.
- Nuclear power is the most reliable energy source, operating at 90% capacity. Existing plants provide low-cost power ($32.54/MWh), but new plants come with high upfront costs.
- Wind and solar appear cheap on the surface but require expensive backup infrastructure, making them much more costly in practice. Real-world costs can reach $272/MWh for wind and $472/MWh for solar, far exceeding advertised prices.
🌎 Why This Matters: The way we produce and consume energy has real consequences for families, businesses, and the economy. High energy costs can lead to increased prices for goods and services, putting additional financial pressure on working families. Furthermore, unreliable power sources can result in grid failures, leading to blackouts and disruptions in daily life. Industries that depend on stable energy—such as manufacturing, agriculture, and technology—suffer when energy policies favor ideology over practicality.
⚡ The Bottom Line: Energy policies must prioritize cost-effectiveness and reliability. Relying too heavily on wind and solar without proper backups raises prices and increases blackout risks. Instead, a balanced approach—including coal, natural gas, and nuclear power—ensures that consumers have access to affordable and dependable energy without compromising economic stability. Voters should demand policies that keep energy affordable, dependable, and practical for all Americans. The key to a strong energy future is embracing diverse, proven, and reliable energy sources, not just following political trends.
By focusing on affordability, reliability, and efficiency, we can ensure a strong, stable, and sustainable energy future that works for everyone—not just special interests.
Click here to read the Resource Primer.