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Rising Energy Costs Push Americans into Utility Debt Crisis

1/11/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Rising energy costs strain Americans, with electricity prices up 6.9% over past year due to President Donald Trump’s rollback of clean-energy projects.
Kristy Hallowell of Greenwood Lake faced a $1,800 energy bill after losing her job, with utilities shut off.
She relied on a generator for six months and now owes about $3,000 in utility debt.
Nearly 5% of households are at risk of utility debt being sent to collections.

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Story summary

Rising energy costs strain Americans, with electricity prices up 6.9% over past year due to President Donald Trump’s rollback of clean-energy projects.
Kristy Hallowell of Greenwood Lake faced a $1,800 energy bill after losing her job, with utilities shut off.
She relied on a generator for six months and now owes about $3,000 in utility debt.
Nearly 5% of households are at risk of utility debt being sent to collections.