Electricity costs rise instead of falling
Donald Trump has fallen far short of a central campaign promise to cut Americans’ energy bills in half during his first year in office. Instead of falling, household electricity costs increased across the United States in 2025, adding new pressure to already stretched family budgets.
According to an analysis of data from the Energy Information Administration, the average U.S. household electricity bill rose by 6.7% compared with the previous year. That increase translated into nearly $116 more per household over the course of 2025.
Some regions hit far harder than others
The rise in electricity bills has been particularly severe in parts of the Midwest and along the East Coast. Washington DC recorded the sharpest jump, with electricity prices rising by 23%. Indiana followed with a 17% increase, while Illinois saw a 15% rise.
These increases reflect both higher unit electricity prices and additional utility charges layered on top. Nationwide, the unit cost of electricity rose by an average of 4.9%, compounding the impact on consumers.
Gas prices and disconnections add to strain
Electricity is not the only energy expense climbing. Household gas prices rose by an average of 5.2% over the past year, further squeezing budgets. As costs climbed, power disconnections for unpaid bills surged in several states. In New York, the rate of disconnections reportedly rose fivefold compared with the previous year.
Energy assistance advocates say the problem is no longer limited to the poorest households. Middle income families are increasingly forced to cut back on essentials or take on extra work just to keep utilities connected.
Campaign promises collide with policy reality
During the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to slash electricity costs by 50% within 12 months of taking office. As the one year mark approaches, those pledges remain unmet. The president has recently dismissed concerns over rising energy costs as exaggerated or politically motivated.
Energy experts argue that the administration’s policy direction made the promise unrealistic from the start. Electricity demand has surged, driven in part by rapid expansion of artificial intelligence and data centers, while investment in new generation and grid infrastructure has struggled to keep pace.
Energy strategy under scrutiny
The administration has focused on expanding oil and gas production, reversing environmental regulations, and halting or delaying renewable energy projects, including offshore wind developments. At the same time, older coal plants have been kept online and liquefied natural gas exports expanded, both of which can push domestic prices higher.
Analysts say this approach has limited the ability of cheaper renewable sources to meet rising demand, leaving consumers exposed to higher costs.
Reduced assistance as costs climb
As energy bills rise, federal support has been reduced. Tax credits for home energy efficiency upgrades have been eliminated, and efforts have been made to scale back programs that help low income households pay heating and cooling bills. More than six million households rely on such assistance.
Heating costs this winter are expected to average $995 per household, up $84 from last year, adding to the burden during colder months.
Political fallout ahead of midterms
While gasoline prices have declined due to global oil market conditions, electricity costs remain a major source of voter frustration. With midterm elections approaching, energy affordability is emerging as a key political issue.
Critics warn that broken promises on power bills could carry consequences for Republicans in 2026, while the White House maintains that lowering energy prices remains a priority.
