Americans Face Challenges Covering Utility Bills Due to 'Energy Poverty,' Study Finds

Houstonians cite utility costs as main reason for cost-of-living woes: 'A little scary'

While many think of rent prices, mortgage, and interest rates for home affordability, a new study shows Houstonians are pinpointing utility prices as an increasing worry.

We Can End Energy Poverty in the Electric Sector: Here's How

Highlights One in three US households reported forgoing necessities, such as food or medicine, to pay household energy bills. Across the United States, electricity customer debt totaled $21.1 billion as of September 2024. RMI’s new Energy Poverty Policy Simulator (EPPS) tool allows regulators, advocates, and other stakeholders to model the benefits and costs of varying policies to reduce energy poverty. EPPS found that ending energy poverty cou…

Americans face challenges covering utility bills due to 'energy poverty,' study finds

A recent study shows that more Americans are having to sacrifice certain basic needs to afford their utility bills.

Making energy affordable again: The role of cities, states and utilities in enhancing the energy safety net

Even as the U.S. pursues an energy agenda centered on achieving affordability through abundance, utilities and local governments have tools to help families navigate energy insecurities.

Strengthening the Energy Safety Net for Low-Income Families

Millions of American families are struggling to afford their energy bills. This situation could worsen as electricity prices — particularly in the Northeast — face potential hikes due to reciprocal tariffs from Canada. As energy prices fluctuate, and federal assistance programs face potential cuts, cities, states and utilities must take proactive steps to strengthen the energy safety net, ensuring that their most vulnerable residents can keep th…