Affordability is the buzzword in Washington. That is certainly true when it comes to the debate about the nation's electricity prices, up 32% over the past five years. But relief – at least immediate relief – is proving elusive.

Sharply rising power demand – think data centers and AI -- and surging natural gas prices are only adding headwinds to an already challenging moment.

Wholesale natural gas prices have jumped more than 70% in the past 12 months reaching the highest they've been since December of 2022 during the energy crisis sparked by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Fortunately, there is some good news to be found for consumers, it's with the coal fleet and the administration's efforts to halt plant losses.

As natural gas prices have jumped over the past year, coal generation has come to the rescue, taking market share from gas and alleviating pressure on ratepayers.

Coal generation is up 13% through the end of September compared to last year. And with winter now here, utilization of the coal fleet is rising quickly.

The optionality provided by the coal fleet is a price shock absorber. And ensuring the feet's availability – exactly what the administration has done -- is affordability policy already paying dividends.