Summary
Millions of Americans are struggling with rising utility bills, leading to more households facing debt that requires collection agency involvement. This issue challenges President Trump's efforts to manage cost-of-living concerns, a critical topic with upcoming elections. Utility prices and overdue debts have increased significantly, impacting many U.S. households.
Key Facts
- Nearly one in 20 U.S. households has utility debt severe enough for collection agencies to intervene.
- Utility bills that are overdue jumped 9.7% annually and averaged $789 from April to June 2025.
- Monthly energy bills increased by 12% during the same period.
- The number of households with severely overdue utility bills rose by 117,000 during Trump’s first six months in his current term.
- Overdue utility balances often exceed $1,500 in colder states.
- Utility prices and debts are rising due to higher energy demands and prices for other essential goods.
- The White House says state-level decisions and market conditions affect utility costs, especially in states emphasizing renewable energy.
