Sun, 11 Jan 2026

Sun, 11 Jan 2026 'I had no electricity for six months': American families struggle with soaring energy prices

Rising electricity costs have emerged as a key cost-of-living concern, pushing families further into debt.

* 44-year-old Kristy Hallowell's energy bill tripled to $1,800 per month, leaving her unable to pay and relying on a generator for six months.
* Millions of Americans are struggling with energy bills that have soared over the past year, with nearly one in 20 households at risk of having their utility debt sent to collections.
* A recent report found that the number of households with severely overdue utility debt rose by 3.8% in the first six months of President Trump's second term.
* Electricity prices rose 6.9% from last year, much faster than overall inflation, despite President Trump claiming that costs are falling.
* The Trump administration has proposed slashing funds to help low-income residents pay their utility bills and rolled back clean energy projects, which could drive electric bills even higher.
* Energy experts warn that the lack of investment in clean energy will lead to continued high prices for consumers.
* Winter heating costs are expected to jump 9.2% this season, driven by rising electricity and natural gas prices and unusually cold weather.
* Households from California to Georgia to South Dakota are feeling the strain of rising costs over the past year.
* Analysts say that increased demand from the artificial intelligence boom is straining the power grid and contributing to higher energy bills.
* Some lawmakers have proposed requiring large data centres to supply their own power, so families don't shoulder the costs.
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