Rising electricity costs force millions of Americans to cut food and comfort

Consumer Reports surveyed more than 2,000 U.S. adults and discovered that about 20% have had to trim grocery budgets, while roughly 25% are reducing heating or air-conditioning to uncomfortable levels because of climbing electric bills. Eighty percent of those who have lived in the same home for at least three years say their electricity costs have risen, with the largest segment (28%) reporting jumps of 20%-49%. Federal data show a 14% rise in electricity prices across major cities over the past three years, compounded by higher fuel costs linked to the Iran conflict.

Survey participants cite utilities, profit motives and the rapid growth of data centers as primary drivers, and many doubt that state regulators protect their interests. As a result, more middle-income families are applying for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, even though they exceed the eligibility threshold. Consumer Reports is launching a "Power Smarter" initiative, including a CR Bill Decoder tool, to collect anonymized bills and advocate for affordable energy.