Full Breakdown
Rising Electricity Bills Force Americans to Trim Grocery Budgets
By Drooid · · How we work
Survey Findings and Key Numbers
A Consumer Reports survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults—conducted among households that have lived in the same home for at least three years—found that 20% of respondents have cut back on groceries to pay their electricity bills. Roughly 25% say they are lowering heating or air-conditioning to uncomfortable levels. The largest share, 28%, reported bill increases of 20%–49% over the period. Federal data show electricity prices in major cities have risen 14% over the past three years, while demand is projected to grow 16% by 2029, driven largely by the expansion of data centers. The survey also notes that consumers blame utility companies’ profit motives and the rapid build-out of data centers for higher costs.
Consumer and Expert Reactions
She added that “the public is becoming increasingly distrustful that government is looking out for them, and this is true across party lines.” Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, said middle-income families are applying for Low-Income Home Energy Assistance despite earning too much to qualify, and that rising fuel costs can erase the entire monthly surplus for paycheck-to-paycheck households.
Government Assistance Gaps
The federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program limits aid to households earning less than 60% of a state’s median income, leaving many struggling families without support. Consumers report feeling abandoned by both regulators and elected officials, a sentiment echoed across partisan lines.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We're hearing a lot of folks who don't know what they can possibly do to afford rising [electricity] rates,” — Sara Enright, senior director of safety and energy at Consumer Reports
- “The public is becoming increasingly distrustful that government is looking out for them, and this is true across party lines,” — Sara Enright, senior director of safety and energy at Consumer Reports
Why It Matters
With electricity costs climbing amid higher gasoline and diesel prices linked to the war in Iran, households are forced to prioritize essential utilities over food and discretionary spending. The strain is influencing voter concerns ahead of upcoming midterm elections, where utility bills rank among top cost-of-living issues. Consumer Reports plans to launch the “Power Smarter” initiative, including a CR Bill Decoder tool, to help households analyze and potentially lower their energy expenses.