All articles tagged with #utility bills
Philadelphia residents faced significant increases in utility bills in 2025 due to rising electricity, gas, and water rates driven by infrastructure investments, inflation, and increased demand, with further hikes expected in 2026, impacting affordability and budgeting for many households.
Democrats Peter Hubbard and Alicia Johnson won key seats on Georgia's Public Service Commission, marking the first statewide Democratic wins since 2006 and signaling a shift in energy policy focus towards affordability and clean energy, amid concerns over rising utility costs and outside spending influence.
Utility bills in the U.S. are rising due to increased demand driven by AI, electrification, and geopolitical disruptions, coupled with transmission bottlenecks, tariffs, and policy shifts away from renewables, leading to higher energy costs and challenges in expanding clean energy infrastructure.
Rising demand from data centers, especially in PJM's territory, has led to a 22% increase in wholesale electricity prices from 2024, causing potential utility bill hikes of up to 5% for 67 million customers across 13 states, with concerns over the impact on residential affordability and the transfer of wealth to large corporations.
US electricity bills are rising sharply due to increased demand from data centers and AI technologies, making electricity the new 'eggs' in terms of cost concerns for consumers.
Americans are facing higher air conditioning bills this summer, with costs expected to rise nearly 8% due to increased usage from hotter temperatures. This financial strain is particularly severe for low-income households, many of whom struggle to afford cooling. Despite rising heat-related health emergencies and deaths, federal assistance for utility bills has been reduced, leaving many without adequate support. Current policies are insufficient to address the growing need for cooling assistance amid climate change.
Californians can expect up to $175 off their April utility bills through the state's Cap-and-Trade Program, with an average credit of $146 for gas and electricity bills. The "climate credit" will automatically apply to bills for eligible residents, benefiting customers of several utility companies. This relief, totaling more than $14 billion statewide since 2014, aims to support millions of California families and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The California Public Utilities Commission is proposing a monthly fixed fee of $24.15 for around 11 million customers of the state’s major utility companies, aiming to shift from energy-based to income-based rates. While lower-income households may see lower overall costs, higher-income customers in cooler regions could pay more. The proposal, which could be approved in May, aims to incentivize energy-efficient technology adoption but faces opposition from some lawmakers and members of Congress.
The California Public Utilities Commission has approved a plan by Pacific Gas & Electric to raise utility bills, with customers expected to see a $4 to $6 increase. The additional charge is intended to help pay for safety upgrades made by the company in 2022. PG&E has also requested more time to make a $1 billion payment, despite reporting profits of over $2 billion last year.
Californians are shocked by soaring electric and gas bills following a rate hike by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), with some residents reporting significant increases in their monthly bills. The utility company's price hike, approved by the California Public Utilities Commission, aims to fund improvements to power lines and gas pipeline safety after years of devastating wildfires. PG&E is offering assistance programs to help struggling customers, but some lawmakers are seeking to repeal the controversial bill that allows rates to be based on income.
Low-income Americans are struggling to afford rising utility bills, with many unable to access clean energy systems and energy-efficient appliances due to financial barriers and complex application processes. The Biden administration has implemented programs to increase access to clean energy and lower household utility bills, including rebates and tax credits. However, challenges such as paperwork and lack of awareness about available programs continue to hinder low-income households from benefiting from these initiatives, exacerbating energy cost concerns and disparities.
PG&E is seeking another rate hike of $2 billion from its customers to cover costs related to wildfires and other disasters, just weeks after receiving an 11% increase approved by the California Public Utilities Commission. This could result in an additional $12 to $20 on monthly bills as early as March. The Utility Reform Network is advocating for a cap on utility rate increases, as PG&E's rates will have increased by 59% in a four-year period. Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer expressed concern about the impact on struggling families and called for discussions on how to address the issue. PG&E wants to start collecting the additional funds in March, even before the PUC decides on the request.
Entergy Louisiana has partnered with local agencies to provide $1 million in bill payment assistance to qualifying residential customers who have been affected by higher-than-expected utility bills due to the historic heat of the summer. Eligible customers can apply for a one-time $200 credit on their utility bill through their local United Way website. The assistance is available on a first come, first served basis, and customers must meet certain income requirements. Additionally, a portion of the funds will be allocated to Entergy's The Power to Care program, which supports older adults and customers with disabilities.
Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) is releasing utility bills to customers who have not received a bill in months due to meter register failures. Affected customers will receive separate bills for each month of service, including any previous unpaid balance and payments received. MLGW has increased staff and contracted with Utility Partners of America (UPA) to repair the affected meter registers. The billing process is expected to be completed by January 2024, with permanent repairs by December 2024. MLGW offers customer assistance, including payment arrangements, and encourages appointments and self-service options to reduce wait times.
As extreme heatwaves drive up electricity demand and utility bills, programs designed to assist low-income residents with energy costs are struggling to meet the higher summertime demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has seen surging demand break the system's maximum load records 10 times within the past five weeks. Heatwaves limit the contribution of wind turbines and reduce the effectiveness of solar energy, leading to increased reliance on air conditioning. Relief organizations in states unaccustomed to widespread air conditioning use are grappling with extended periods of high demand. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that U.S. consumers' utility bills will be nearly 12% higher this summer than last. The current federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is insufficient to meet the growing demand caused by climate change.