About

What’s At Stake

Rapid advances in technology are shifting the way we make, manage, and use energy, and in the process providing the means to address electric grid challenges, extreme weather events, and reduce cost pressures on households and energy consumers. These changes give consumers new options to save money and take control of the energy they use. These capabilities—to manage demand, lower costs, and cut emissions—have never been more valuable than they are today with rising electric bills and accelerating demand growth. But the energy status quo, made up of powerful incumbent interests and bolstered by laws and regulations crafted in their favor, stands in the way.

Advanced energy encompasses the full range of better energy solutions that can win, based on cost and performance, if only the policies are in place to overcome the inertia and resistance of old energy. That’s why we need elected leaders—whether Republican, Democrat, or independent—with the vision, courage, and capacity to enact laws and regulations that will accelerate deployment of advanced energy and transportation technologies. AEA exists to help identify and support state-level candidates who can champion advanced energy.

The Larger Strategy

Advanced Energy Action (AEA) is part of a larger equation to cultivate advanced energy champions in states across the country. Advanced Energy United helps educate and persuade elected officials with on-the-ground advocates in state capitols across the country. Counterspark helps build grassroots support for smart policies that move public opinion and unlock advanced energy solutions. AEA complements this work with timely, targeted donations, that foster stronger relationships between our industry and elected officials and support champions in key races.

The Year Ahead

In 2026, 46 states across the country will hold gubernatorial and state-level legislative races. The policymakers elected (and re-elected) next year will shape energy policies and regulations for years, if not decades to come. With rising demand and acute concerns about affordability, now is the moment for advanced energy – but only if our industry plays to win. That starts with timely, targeted campaign donations.