Energy costs are high and unaffordable – what utilities, governments, communities and you can do to help save consumers money

There are opportunities at every level of the US energy market to save consumers money – if governments, companies, communities and individuals choose to act.

By: Sanya Carley, University of Pennsylvania; Alexandra Klass, University of Michigan; Alison L. Knasin, University of Pennsylvania; David Konisky, Indiana University, and Shelley Welton, University of Pennsylvania, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: June 17, 2026

Words: 1,469

Last Updated: 1 month ago


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By Sanya Carley, University of Pennsylvania; Alexandra Klass, University of Michigan; Alison L. Knasin, University of Pennsylvania; David Konisky, Indiana University, and Shelley Welton, University of Pennsylvania

For many Americans, energy bills are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

Energy prices increased approximately 30% on average from 2021 to 2026. In some places, the rates of increase have been much steeper. In the Mid-Atlantic and eastern Midwest region where several of us live, the regional electricity …