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Energy Bills

All articles tagged with #energy bills

Winter’s Burden Expands as Energy Bills Soar Across Households
business4 days ago

Winter’s Burden Expands as Energy Bills Soar Across Households

A bitter winter has driven heating and electricity costs higher, leaving about one in six U.S. households behind on utility bills and totaling roughly $23 billion owed to electric and gas utilities. Heating costs are projected to rise about 9.2% this winter, electricity over 10% from a year ago, and the bill increases threaten middle‑class families, prompting calls for federal and state action and fueling political debate as energy affordability becomes a key issue ahead of the 2026 midterms.

PG&E to Reduce Customer Bills Starting January 2026
society1 month ago

PG&E to Reduce Customer Bills Starting January 2026

Pacific Gas and Electric Company announced that starting January 1, residential electricity rates will decrease by about 5%, saving the average customer around $7 per month, with natural gas rates dropping by 3%. The rate cuts are part of PG&E's efforts to stabilize energy costs amid rising national prices, and residents in the Central Valley may see even larger savings.

Pennsylvania and Governors Call for Major Overhaul of US Power Grid Amid Rising Costs
energy5 months ago

Pennsylvania and Governors Call for Major Overhaul of US Power Grid Amid Rising Costs

Pennsylvania's Governor Josh Shapiro threatened to leave the PJM power grid if it doesn't reform to better address surging energy costs, citing issues like rising demand from data centers and infrastructure challenges. The summit highlighted frustrations with the current system, with calls for increased state influence and potential alternatives like forming a separate grid or renegotiating participation in power auctions. The debate underscores the urgent need for grid modernization amid rising energy demands and costs.

PG&E's 2023 Earnings Soar by Nearly 25% After Rate Hikes
business2 years ago

PG&E's 2023 Earnings Soar by Nearly 25% After Rate Hikes

Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) reported a nearly 25% increase in profits to $2.2 billion for 2023, following substantial rate hikes at the beginning of the year. This announcement has sparked outrage among customers who already paid some of the highest energy bills in the country. The Utility Reform Network (TURN) expressed dissatisfaction, calling for concrete action to prevent further bill increases, while PG&E stated that their investments aim to maintain a safe and reliable energy system for customers.

"Eversource's Warning: Proposed Rate Hike Sparks Concern Over Soaring Power Costs"
energy-finance2 years ago

"Eversource's Warning: Proposed Rate Hike Sparks Concern Over Soaring Power Costs"

Eversource, Connecticut's largest electrical utility, has filed for a rate increase that could raise the average household bill by $38 a month, attributing the spike to a 2019 state deal with Dominion Energy and initiatives adopted during the COVID pandemic. The company has proposed solutions to shield customers from "rate shock," including phasing in the potential rate increase over time and changing the ratemaking methodology to forecast costs and avoid future issues.

"AC Bill Struggles: Limited Federal Aid Leaves Millions in the Heat"
social-issues2 years ago

"AC Bill Struggles: Limited Federal Aid Leaves Millions in the Heat"

Millions of the poorest Americans are struggling to pay their air conditioning bills during heat waves, as federal aid reaches only a fraction of those in need. Climate change has led to soaring temperatures across the U.S., forcing vulnerable households to make difficult choices between cooling their homes or paying costly bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which subsidizes energy costs for low-income Americans, falls short in reaching those in need, with less than 3% receiving assistance for their summer bills. Many states do not offer assistance for summer months, and the program has been slow to adapt to climate change. President Joe Biden has increased the LIHEAP budget, but more substantial government intervention is needed to address the growing energy insecurity crisis.

"Eversource Customers in Mass. to Enjoy Lower Electric Rates Starting Saturday"
business2 years ago

"Eversource Customers in Mass. to Enjoy Lower Electric Rates Starting Saturday"

Eversource customers in Massachusetts will see lower energy bills as the utility's basic service rate drops from July 1 through the end of the year. Customers in Eastern Massachusetts can expect to save an average of $58 per month, while those in the western part of the state will save an average of $42 per month. The rate adjustment is due to falling energy supply prices across New England.

Avoid These 3 Mistakes to Lower Your Energy Bills as a Homeowner
energy-efficiency2 years ago

Avoid These 3 Mistakes to Lower Your Energy Bills as a Homeowner

Plumbline Services president Bob Logan warns homeowners against turning off their HVAC system during work hours, opening windows at night, and not changing air filters, as these mistakes can increase energy bills. Instead, he recommends setting a comfortable temperature on a programmable thermostat, sealing up the home, and changing air filters every 30 days. Other tips include installing LED lights, closing blinds during the hottest part of the day, and only running the dishwasher and washing machine when they are full.