Solar and batteries cut summer wholesale power costs by about $6.05 billion in Texas and California, but delivery charges limited bill relief
By Eve
SEIA data reported by ESS News estimated energy savings of $3.55 billion in Texas and $2.5 billion in California, comparing June to August 2026 with the same months in 2021, in 2026 dollars. Texas wholesale prices fell 42% to $31.77 per megawatt hour from $54.97 while demand rose 30.1%, and California prices fell 51% to $38.32 from $77.54 with consumption up 2.5%. The generation portion of residential bills dropped 10% in California and 4% in Texas, but higher charges elsewhere on the bills absorbed part of the saving.
Why it matters
Cheaper wholesale power from solar and batteries supports the case for lower energy costs at charging sites, but rising delivery charges show that savings may not reach customers in full. CPOs and procurement teams should model grid and network costs alongside wholesale prices when assessing site economics and tariffs.
Source
- Original title
- “Solar and batteries cut Texas and California power costs, but rising grid costs muted bill relief”
- Published
- 2 November 2026
- Updated
- 3 November 2026
In this story
- Topic
- Grid & Energy
- Place
- United States
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