US EditionUS Utility Bill Delinquencies Surge Nearly 10%
- The Century Foundation's analysis found nearly 6 million U.S. households will soon have utility debt reported to collection agencies, amid rising energy costs.
- Rising energy costs have been driven by a 12% increase in monthly energy bills and AI data centers' massive electricity use, The Century Foundation said, while the administration disputed federal responsibility.
- The Century Foundation said, `rising utility debt affects nearly 6 million households`, amid mixed signals from the Bank of America Institute and the New York Federal Reserve over consumer resilience.
- Political fallout is immediate: President Donald Trump faces voter pressure over affordability after off-year elections this month, while the White House highlights lower pump prices and rising electricity bills threaten some congressional battlegrounds in next year's midterm elections.
- Policy debates are intensifying as Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says electricity prices are a state issue this month, while advocates argue federal choices affect long-term costs amid a 3.8% rise in overdue bills during Trump's first six months.
94 Articles
94 Articles
Utility Debt Builds for Millions Amid Signs of Cooling Inflation
An increasing number of American households are falling behind on their utility bills as energy costs remain elevated heading into winter, according to a new analysis from two nonprofits. Past-due balances owed to electric and gas utilities have climbed from $597 to $789 over the past three years—a 32 percent jump that a Nov. 17 report from The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers says is an indication of growing financial strain on millions…
Chicago Tribune
More people are lagging behind in paying their bills to maintain light and heat their homes, according to a new consumer data analysis, which represents a warning signal for the U.S. economy and another political headache for President Donald Trump. Balances with utility companies increased by 9.7% annually to $789 between the periods of April to June 2024 and 2025, said The Century Foundation, a liberal group of experts. The increase has coinci…
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