Report Warns Utility Debt Crisis Deepens as US Power Rates Rise 7.3%
Updated
Updated · WBUR News · Jul 21
Report Warns Utility Debt Crisis Deepens as US Power Rates Rise 7.3%
3 articles · Updated · WBUR News · Jul 21
Summary
A new report says the utility debt crisis has worsened, with household energy bills climbing faster than overall inflation since Trump returned to office.
That squeeze reflects rising electricity costs that have outpaced the administration’s promise to cut bills, leaving more families struggling to keep up with monthly payments.
Recent federal data showed residential electricity rates rose 7.3% from April 2025 to April 2026, reaching 18.83 cents per kWh, after an 18% increase from January 2025 to April 2026.
The broader pressure comes from stronger power demand, fuel costs, data-center growth, plant closures and policy shifts that have pushed utility costs higher even as affordability worsens.