Heating bills surge to 12-year high—some states warn of shut-offs ahead
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If you’ve opened your electric bill lately and felt sick to your stomach, you're in good company.
A record-setting summer is on the way—not just for heat, but for home energy costs.
Experts say US households will pay more for electricity than they have in over a decade.
And in 33 states, missing just one bill could mean your power gets cut off.
The average US household will spend $784 on electricity this summer, according to new estimates.
That’s a 6.2% increase from 2024’s $737 figure, and a 4.3% jump after inflation adjustments. Just ten years ago, the typical summer bill was only $497.
The cost has skyrocketed due to two main factors, said NEADA, rising electricity prices and hotter weather due to climate change.
Southern states are facing the steepest bills, with Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana averaging $996. Households in the Northeast are also bracing—New England’s average is projected at $922.
These jumps are straining budgets, especially in regions with aging infrastructure and prolonged heat waves. No matter where you live, this isn’t just a bump—it’s a squeeze.
Utility costs now consume up to 8.6% of income for low- and moderate-income families. That’s nearly three times what higher-income households pay proportionally.
More and more low and moderate income households are becoming unable to pay their energy bills, NEADA warned. For many, falling behind is no longer a risk—it’s already happening.
As of March 2025, Americans owe $24 billion in unpaid electricity bills. That’s up from $17.5 billion in 2023—a 37% surge in just two years.
Also read: Could your weekends be energy-free? Here’s how some Americans are getting electricity at no cost
The number of households missing at least one monthly payment jumped from 34.6% to 36.8% in that same period.
In 33 states, there are no legal protections from shut-offs during the hottest months. Only 17 states and Washington DC provide any kind of summer moratorium.
That means millions are vulnerable to having their power cut when they need cooling the most.
Americans unable to pay their bills on time are at risk of having their electricity shut off, says NEADA.
Also read: How to score 9 hours of free electricity every day—See if your energy company is giving this away
If you live in one of these states, you may qualify for seasonal protection from disconnection:
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can trigger deadly outcomes, especially for seniors, infants, and people with chronic conditions.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without cooling can be dangerous and even fatal, said NEADA.
The risk of heart attacks and respiratory failure rises sharply without access to air conditioning. For those behind on bills, this isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s life-threatening.
Read next: Brace for impact: Find out why your electricity bill might skyrocket in June!
Have you found a way to cut costs and keep your cool? Are you worried about a shut-off notice or already navigating a payment plan? Do you have tips on how others can get assistance or make their homes more energy-efficient? Drop a comment below—we’re all in this together.
A record-setting summer is on the way—not just for heat, but for home energy costs.
Experts say US households will pay more for electricity than they have in over a decade.
And in 33 states, missing just one bill could mean your power gets cut off.
The average US household will spend $784 on electricity this summer, according to new estimates.
That’s a 6.2% increase from 2024’s $737 figure, and a 4.3% jump after inflation adjustments. Just ten years ago, the typical summer bill was only $497.
The cost has skyrocketed due to two main factors, said NEADA, rising electricity prices and hotter weather due to climate change.
Southern states are facing the steepest bills, with Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana averaging $996. Households in the Northeast are also bracing—New England’s average is projected at $922.
These jumps are straining budgets, especially in regions with aging infrastructure and prolonged heat waves. No matter where you live, this isn’t just a bump—it’s a squeeze.
Utility costs now consume up to 8.6% of income for low- and moderate-income families. That’s nearly three times what higher-income households pay proportionally.
More and more low and moderate income households are becoming unable to pay their energy bills, NEADA warned. For many, falling behind is no longer a risk—it’s already happening.
As of March 2025, Americans owe $24 billion in unpaid electricity bills. That’s up from $17.5 billion in 2023—a 37% surge in just two years.
Also read: Could your weekends be energy-free? Here’s how some Americans are getting electricity at no cost
The number of households missing at least one monthly payment jumped from 34.6% to 36.8% in that same period.
In 33 states, there are no legal protections from shut-offs during the hottest months. Only 17 states and Washington DC provide any kind of summer moratorium.
That means millions are vulnerable to having their power cut when they need cooling the most.
Americans unable to pay their bills on time are at risk of having their electricity shut off, says NEADA.
Also read: How to score 9 hours of free electricity every day—See if your energy company is giving this away
If you live in one of these states, you may qualify for seasonal protection from disconnection:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Washington DC
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Nevada
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Texas
- Washington
- Wisconsin
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures can trigger deadly outcomes, especially for seniors, infants, and people with chronic conditions.
Prolonged exposure to high temperatures without cooling can be dangerous and even fatal, said NEADA.
The risk of heart attacks and respiratory failure rises sharply without access to air conditioning. For those behind on bills, this isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s life-threatening.
Read next: Brace for impact: Find out why your electricity bill might skyrocket in June!
