NEW ENGLAND — A new regional energy poll unveiled today by Independent Women reveals widespread concern among New England women over rising energy costs, reliability, and tradeoffs embedded in the region’s aggressive green-energy agenda. The poll, focused on the region with the highest electricity rates in the nation, also exposes a growing gap in awareness, among women surveyed, over the state policies that are actually driving these high prices. Polling evidence also suggests clear tension between women’s growing concern over rising energy costs and their desire to remain responsible environmental stewards.
The New England Women’s Energy Survey was conducted by Wick Insights among a sample of 3,000 women who are likely 2026 general election voters across the six New England states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont.
In New England and across the nation, states have been hit with early snowfall, extreme cold weather, and winter storm conditions. The stark reality of energy costs in these conditions will add to the already growing fears as 100% renewable-only green-energy policies take effect.
“As New England charts forward with 100% green energy mandates, women are very concerned about rising electricity costs in the region,” said Gabriella Hoffman, director of Independent Women’s Center for Energy and Conservation. “Despite expressing support for renewable energy, many New Englanders believe lawmakers mislead them about the cost and effectiveness of climate policies. Their frustration is warranted. This poll presents a unique educational opportunity and how best to promote energy affordability going forward.”
More detailed poll results can be found here.
According to the survey, energy is a highly salient issue for women, as eighty-two percent (82%) of female voters in New England report paying more for energy than they were five years ago, and ninety-one percent (91%) of female voters in New England are concerned about energy costs.
Additionally, New England women oppose restrictive mandates to address energy costs and, instead, favor expanding energy supply options. Sixty-eight percent (68%) oppose phasing out gas-powered cars, and fifty-three percent (53%) oppose phasing out gas-powered appliances.
The majority of voters, however, blamed rising energy costs on utility companies and federal policies over state and green policies, highlighting a significant knowledge gap about the state policies behind rising costs. Fifty-six percent (56%) of female voters did not know about the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), and thirty-three percent (33%) did not know about Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS). These policies—adopted by state governments—limit energy diversity and a more affordable energy grid, increase electricity prices, and reduce flexibility during periods of high demand.
New England suffers high electricity rates, not due to geography but because of policy choices at the state level. Under the Federal Power Act, states have exclusive authority to regulate the electricity generated and sold within their borders. This has allowed states to enact policies like renewable portfolio standards, clean energy standards, 100% renewable energy targets, and energy efficiency standards for houses and cars.
“Energy policy shouldn’t be a political statement. But, in New England, it’s been treated like one,” said Jordanne Kemper, vice president of Independent Women’s Voice. “The result is simple and brutal: higher bills, unrealistic and unattainable mandates, and wavering reliability from policies state leaders passed. Women deserve to know what’s really driving their rising energy costs and who made the choices affecting them.”
The New England region is frequently an early adopter of policy changes that can inform or influence legislation elsewhere in the country over time. The results of this poll offer a cautionary signal for states considering New England’s energy standards.
View poll results here.
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