America is facing a new and alarming financial warning sign — and it hits directly at the most essential part of everyday life: keeping the lights on and the heat running. A surge in overdue power bills is spreading across the country, signaling deeper economic stress and creating yet another challenge President Donald Trump must confront as he works to bring stability back to the U.S. economy.
According to fresh consumer data, past-due utility balances jumped nearly 10% between 2024 and 2025, climbing to an average of $789 per household. At the same time, monthly energy bills have risen 12%, squeezing families who are already battling high prices across the board.
Even a liberal think tank — The Century Foundation — admits these numbers reveal something serious: Americans are prioritizing power bills right alongside mortgages and car payments. When families begin falling behind on essential utilities, it means financial strain is spreading everywhere.
“This is the real impact of rising costs,” said the foundation’s president. “Families are falling behind.”
Rising Utility Bills Hit Millions of Americans
The growing number of electric and natural-gas delinquencies signals an issue that will demand attention from the Trump administration. Analysts warn that a major source of higher electricity prices is the explosive growth of energy-hungry AI data centers, which are heavily concentrated in Democrat-run states.
These massive facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity — and when demand spikes, everyday families are left paying the price.
Meanwhile, voters have made one issue clear: affordability is the top concern heading into next year’s midterm elections. And while Trump has worked to push down inflation and lower energy prices, rising power bills risk becoming a flashpoint in battleground states.
Trump has frequently emphasized gas prices, which respond quickly to strong energy policy. But gasoline makes up a smaller share of the consumer price index than electricity and natural gas — meaning lower fuel prices can be wiped out by rising utility costs, especially in states dominated by Democrat-backed renewable mandates.
Trump pushed back on media inflation narratives this week, blasting Democrats for misrepresenting the economy.
“Costs under the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION are coming down — especially ENERGY,” Trump posted. “Democrats pushing an ‘affordability crisis’ are lying.”
Nearly 6 Million Homes at Risk of Collections
The new analysis estimates that nearly 6 million American households now have utility debt severe enough to be sent to collection agencies. That’s a staggering number — and it highlights how deeply inflation has eroded economic security.
By comparison, during Trump’s first six months in office, households with serious utility delinquencies rose only about 3.8%, far below today’s levels.
Consumer advocates blame rising fees, green-energy mandates, and sweetheart deals with Big Tech companies that drain local power resources while sending prices soaring.
“Families are hurting because tech giants and politicians are making decisions behind closed doors,” said Mike Pierce of Protect Borrowers. “If the administration doesn’t step up to protect families, these rising bills will only get worse.”
Blue States Hit Hardest by Rising Electricity Prices
The Trump administration has repeatedly explained that electricity rates are largely regulated by state utility boards, especially in states run by Democrats that aggressively push solar and wind mandates — policies that have historically raised costs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the point clear:
“Electricity prices are determined locally,” Bessent told ABC News. “The federal government doesn’t set your power bill.”
White House officials also note that many of the highest utility costs in the nation come from Democrat-run states that rely heavily on expensive renewable energy systems, while Republican states with traditional energy sources enjoy far lower rates.
Even so, the left-leaning Century Foundation argues for more wind and solar — a stance conservatives say ignores the higher costs and instability tied to renewable-only grids.
Are Americans Financially Stable — or Falling Behind?
Despite rising utility stress, several financial indicators show mixed results:
• The New York Federal Reserve reports rising delinquencies in mortgages, auto loans, and student debt — though mortgage issues remain relatively low.
• Bank of America says debit and credit card data show many families are still managing their bills.
Still, one fact is impossible to ignore: millions of Americans are struggling to pay for electricity and heat, and power bills are rising faster in blue states that lean heavily on costly “green” energy systems.
For Trump, the message is clear: as he moves to restore economic stability, making energy affordable — especially for seniors and working families — will be a defining issue in the months ahead.