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Day 2 at the ACORE Policy Forum

February 26, 2026

Navigating the New Political Landscape: Takeaways from Kellyanne Conway at the 2026 ACORE Policy Forum

We just wrapped Day 2 of the ACORE Policy Forum, and the message from all of our speakers was clear: The United States needs to ensure tomorrow’s electric grid can meet increasing electricity demand, and that requires a focus on increasing electricity capacity and improving our transmission system. Amid record power demand, the clean energy sector must position itself as part of the solution.

We got to hear a deep dive from polling expert Kellyanne Conway about her recent survey that shows 83% of Americans think solar is essential to U.S. energy security. Conway explained a critical point in her polling strategy: When you give Americans objective data, they will share what matters most to them. She said that Americans are motivated by affordability, reliability, and security – whether that’s job security, energy security, or national security.

For developers and investors working to get projects approved, understanding people’s perceptions is just as important as understanding the technology.

Republicans Support Solar

Conway’s team surveyed 1,000 voters across Arizona, Florida, Indiana, Ohio, and Texas, finding that 75% of Trump supporters agreed that “solar energy should be used in the US to strengthen and increase our energy supply.” Majorities also recognize solar as a critical tool for making power more affordable and ensuring the grid is ready to meet future electricity demand.

“Solar should be seen not as government-favored or ideological,” Conway said in her report. “It is a pragmatic solution to multiple issues voters are prioritizing – affordability, reliability, and security.”

Affordability Matters

Conway pointed out that affordability has been a key political issue for decades, but highlighted what sets energy apart in this moment, noting “of all the monthly bills people face, the one that seems really stubborn is utilities.”

When you consider that people’s monthly utility bills have risen, the long-term effects are creating real challenges for households, small businesses, and the economic health of neighborhoods around the country.

Her advice: Always speak about clean energy in the context of how it addresses this affordability crisis.

The Takeaway

Conway repeatedly emphasized that when communicating about the merits of clean energy, we must frame them as ways to address voters’ top priorities.

When it comes to ACORE’s push for comprehensive permitting reform, for building electricity generation, improving the grid, and instituting a “build, don’t block” regulatory system, we should keep coming back to affordability, reliability, and security.

We know that clean energy will help bring down costs for all Americans, and it’s our job to champion that message.

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