Assessing the U.S. and International Energy Landscape in a Time of War
Customers First! Coalition Executive Director Kristin Gilkes joined a panel of national and state leaders this week for a WisPolitics–State Affairs virtual luncheon titled “Assessing the U.S. and International Energy Landscape in Time of War.” The panel focused on how global conflicts — particularly the ongoing conflict involving Iran and instability in key oil shipping routes — are affecting energy prices and consumers.
According to a WisPolitics summary of the event, panelists agreed that energy consumers are currently bearing the brunt of rising global energy prices, while some oil- and natural gas-producing regions are seeing short-term economic benefits.
During the discussion, Gilkes emphasized that those most exposed to volatile energy prices — including low- and middle-income households, rural residents, and large industrial energy users — are often the most affected when global fuel prices spike.
“Those who are most exposed to volatile energy prices will likely see the greatest impact from the conflict,” Gilkes said during the panel. “Obviously, we want to help mitigate those shocks through effective utility regulation that encourages utilities to do long-term planning, use hedging, and use long-term contracts to help keep those prices low.”
— WisPolitics coverage of the event
Panelists discussed how global energy markets are interconnected, meaning conflicts abroad can quickly affect gasoline, natural gas, and electricity prices in the United States and in Wisconsin. Recent fuel price increases have been tied in part to disruptions in global oil shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes.
The panel also discussed the broader economic impacts of rising fuel prices, including impacts on manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation — all of which ultimately affect household costs.
The event featured:
- Former U.S. Ambassador to the Czech Republic Rick Graber
- Former U.S. Ambassador to Luxembourg Tom Barrett
- Former Congressman and Wisconsin Cabinet Secretary Peter Barca
- Customers First! Coalition Executive Director Kristin Gilkes
Watch the full panel discussion on WisconsinEye:
Read the WisPolitics coverage of the event:
https://www.wispolitics.com/2026/energy-consumers-taking-a-hit-from-iran-conflict-panelists-say/
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