U.S. electricity prices have surged over the past year, outpacing inflation and highlighting structural challenges in the power sector. National costs are up 5% year-over-year on average, although this figure masks that some regions are feeling the pain more than others. Prices in New Jersey, for example, have risen 22% in the past year. The surge has led utility bills to become a primary topic in the state's ongoing Governor's race. According to the New York Times, "electricity is the new eggs".