Exploring Energy Affordability: Barriers and Opportunities
Author: Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative
Date: August 18, 2026
Topics: Energy Efficiency Low Income Consumers
Resource Type: Reports
Download the “Exploring Energy Affordability: Barriers and Opportunities” report, which explores the energy affordability challenges experienced by consumers today. Based on a nationally representative survey of 4,021 household energy decision-makers, this research sought to answer questions such as:
- How do electricity bills factor into other household expense decisions?
- Are Americans open to changing their electricity usage habits?
- What actions have they taken to be more energy efficient so far?
- What programs or services are Americans aware of that can help them manage their electricity bill or usage?
- Have they used these programs or services? How did they learn about them?
The report found that roughly half of Americans saw their electricity bill rise over the past year, and nearly a third struggled to pay it at some point. That burden falls hardest on low-income households, 48% of whom struggled to pay, compared to 18% of medium+ income households.
According to the survey findings, utilities also rank as one of households’ top expense concerns behind only housing and food. However, when asked what expense they would prioritize if they were struggling, utility bills rise to the top (32%), over housing, food, health care costs, transportation and other priorities.
The report closes with strategies that electricity providers, regulators and other stakeholders can utilize to better engage with and assist consumers during the affordability crisis, including building a multi-tier affordability strategy rather than a single-program fix and turning every bill into an enrollment opportunity.
Recommended Resources
