Where does your state rank when it comes to people’s control over energy?

• A report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance finds that most U.S. states could improve their energy policies. The organization’s 2025 Community Power Scorecard evaluates state efforts to expand energy democracy and regulate utilities.
• Illinois ranked highest with a B grade, followed by Oregon and 11 other states receiving a C. Meanwhile, 14 states earned a D, and 23 states received an F, including Alabama, which had the lowest mark.
• While some states, such as Iowa, Michigan and South Carolina, made incremental policy improvements, overall rankings remained largely unchanged from the previous year, with Missouri declining.

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A recent report by the Institute for Local Self-Reliance (ILSR) indicates that most U.S. states could do more to provide residents with affordable, reliable and clean energy. The organization’s 2025 Community Power Scorecard evaluates state policies aimed at expanding energy democracy and holding utilities accountable.

Which states scored the highest and lowest?

According to the scorecard, no state received an A rating. Illinois ranked the highest with a B, credited to policies that support community-based energy programs and facilitate the local ownership and development of clean energy. Oregon followed closely, receiving the second-best rating. It was among 12 states that earned a C grade.

The report classified 14 states with a D grade, while 23 states received an F. Alabama ranked the lowest in the nation, with South Dakota barely beating out the Cotton State to avoid that distinction.

What does the group behind these grades do?

The Institute for Local Self-Reliance advocates for locally-owned energy systems and policies that prevent monopolistic utility practices. The organization’s co-director, John Farrell, described the scorecard as a tool to identify areas where states can improve energy policies.

“I like to think of this as an aspirational kind of project, to say to people, ‘There’s a lot of work that we need to do here,’” Farrell said.

Have states made any progress?

While the report noted incremental progress in some states, overall rankings saw little change compared to 2024. Since the previous edition, Iowa, Michigan and South Carolina have improved their policies, while Missouri experienced a decline.