Democrats’ Affordability Hoax Exposed as They Push Higher Power Bills

RICHMOND, VA – Governor Abigail Spanberger and Virginia Democrats escalated their affordability hoax in yet another scheme that takes more money out of Virginian’s pockets.

Yesterday, Democrats killed legislation that would have protected monthly power bill payers from energy penalties that get dumped straight onto consumers. Today, Spanberger and her allies pushed a bill out of committee to force Virginia back into a disastrous national carbon program that will drive up electricity costs statewide.

Trusted sources estimate that leaving the program under Governor Youngkin already saved Virginians $937 million. Rejoining is projected to cost more than $500 million every year - roughly $1,100 per household - with businesses hit hardest and costs inevitably passed down to families at the checkout line.

“This is the Democrats’ affordability hoax in plain sight,” said Senate Republican Leader Ryan T. McDougle. “They killed protections for monthly power bill payers yesterday, then turned around and advanced a bill today that will jack up those same power bills across Virginia. Republicans saved Virginians $937 million by getting out. Spanberger and Democrats are forcing you back in and make you pay over $500 million every single year. That’s not affordability. That’s a tax-and-spend con job.”

“Governor Spanberger campaigned on lowering costs. Her party is doing the exact opposite,” said Senate Republican Caucus Chairman Mark Obenshain. “Democrats are pushing a policy that will rip about $1,100 per household out of Virginians’ pockets year after year. They call it ‘affordability’ because they don’t want to say what it really is: higher bills, higher costs, and working families left holding the bag.”

Senate Republicans called on Democrats to stop the hoax and focus on real relief: protecting monthly power bill payers and pursuing an energy strategy that prioritizes affordability and reliability.