As we head into 2026, the energy landscape is shifting fast, and the risks that used to sit quietly in the background now show up directly on your bill. Whether you manage a single property or a national portfolio, the year ahead will require a sharper eye on how the grid behaves, how suppliers structure their contracts and how weather and global markets shape prices.

1. Extra “Grid Fees” May Stay High

Electricity prices often get the spotlight, but in 2026, the fees behind the scenes may matter even more. These charges, essentially payments to ensure there are enough power plants online to meet demand, remain elevated across several markets. The Midwest and the East Coast will be more susceptible to these fees as well.

Even if the energy rate itself looks reasonable, these add-ons can significantly increase your bottom line. Many buyers underestimate this line item, only to get hit later when settlements roll in.

2. Weather Will Drive More Sudden Price Spikes

A single extreme weather week, a heat wave or a cold snap, for example, can move markets dramatically. In 2026, weather volatility will continue to be one of the biggest drivers of unexpected cost swings in both electricity and natural gas.

Natural gas-fired plants still set power prices in many regions, so when gas surges, electricity follows. The takeaway: planning based only on “average” weather is a risky bet.

3. Natural Gas Prices May Swing More Often

The U.S. is exporting more natural gas than ever, and global demand increasingly influences domestic prices. When overseas buyers need more gas, especially during winter months, U.S. prices can climb quickly.

Because natural gas is tightly linked to electricity generation, volatility in one commodity often spills directly into the other.

4. Higher Prices Due to Crowded Grid

Transmission congestion is becoming a bigger and more frequent cost factor. When the power lines feeding your region are constrained or when large new users like data centers appear nearby your local price can break away from the “headline market price.”

Two neighboring facilities can see very different pricing outcomes depending on how overloaded the grid is in their area.

5. Contracts May Hide Major Cost “Extras”

In 2026, supplier contracts may look more similar on the surface — but the fine print matters more than ever.

Two rates can look identical, yet one may bundle in costs such as capacity charges, grid balancing services, congestion or transmission adders and future rule changes or uplift charges.

And the other may exclude them and bill you later. What looks like the cheaper option upfront can become the more expensive one over the course of the term.

So What Should Energy Buyers Do in 2026?

1. Get Clear on Your Priority: Stability or Savings

If a predictable budget matters most, a more hedged or structured approach may be right. If you’re willing to take some risk to capture potential savings, you have options, but that choice should be intentional and data-informed.

2. Ask Suppliers Exactly What’s Included (and What Isn’t)

Request a breakdown of all pass-through items and potential future adjustments. If a price seems “too good,” it usually means major components are being pushed into the fine print.

3. Use Data, Not Guesswork, to Build Your Strategy

Given how quickly markets can move, relying on a single rate quote or a static spreadsheet won’t cut it in 2026. Energy buyers need transparency, real-time insight and a clear strategy that accounts for risk, weather, congestion and supplier markups.

Bottom Line:

2026 will reward buyers who stay curious, ask better questions and lean on data rather than assumptions. The market is getting more complex but with the right strategy, it doesn’t have to be unpredictable. Energy CX is here to help you navigate the year ahead with confidence and clarity.