AMERICANS will pay $784 on average this summer for an essential bill as prices skyrocket nationwide.
Rates are expected to touch a record high over the past 12 years, and many risk losing the service if they can’t afford it.
GettyAmericans nationwide will face a sharp increase on an essential bill this summer (stock image)[/caption]As the heat rises, energy bills will as well, according to a recent report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).
Between June and September, Americans will pay $784 or more in some areas to stay cool at their home or apartment.
The average is a 6.2% increase from the $737 average last year, or around 4.2% considering inflation.
Only 10 years ago, in 2015, the average was $497, a full $287 cheaper.
But, why such a sharp increase?
GAS ISSUE
The major contributing factor, aside from climate change, is that the costs for natural gas are outpacing inflation rates, per The Wall Street Journal.
According to data from the Energy Information Administration (EIA), natural gas deliveries to power plans will cost a whopping 50% more between June and September this year than in 2024.
Additionally, utility companies are investing billions into the electric grid around the country and passing costs onto customers.
Some states also operate massive data centers that require a lot of power, and consequently push prices higher.
The 4.2% energy bill uptick to $784 on average is moving faster than even a 2.2% uptick in grocery prices.
In a general sense, American consumers were paying 2.4% more on merchandise in May compared to 2024, still a rate less than energy bills.
The EIA also expects the outpacing of energy bill rates compared to inflation to continue throughout 2026.
Low-income Americans are hit the worst by the upticks, as energy bills account for around 8.6% of their monthly income, a percentage three times higher than those in other tax brackets.
Many also remain in debt because of utility costs.
Summer Protections by State
In 2025, just 17 states and Washington DC offer Americans protections from having their electricity shut off if they are behind on utility payments:
Arizona Arkansas Colorado Delaware Washington DC Georgia Illinois Louisiana Maryland Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Nevada Oklahoma Oregon Texas Washington WisconsinSource: NEADA
DEBT DISASTER
As of March 2025, Americans owe a collective $24 billion in utilities, an increase from $17.5 billion around the same time in 2023, per the Census Household Pulse Survey.
Not to mention, NEADA estimates that about 21.2 million households, one in every six, are behind on energy bills.
Should some have their electricity cut off in particularly warmer climates, there’s a serious health risk.
Prolonged heat exposure could be very dangerous, resulting in respiratory failure or heart attacks.
Some southern states with those warmer climates, like Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and Texas have the highest projected energy bill costs this summer at an average of $996.
At least 17 states offer some protections to utilities getting shut off for those who are late on payments.
There are some ways Americans can reduce energy bills this summer.
An expert recently advised a simple switch involving the thermostat that could result in a 30% reduction to bills.
There’s also a “weather strip” trick that could result in at least an $83 discount for some.
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