Energy price fluctuations can affect whether or not a low-income family can afford to pay their energy bills. Through the Energy Hardship Project, NEADA estimates what percentage of the average family’s energy bill will be covered by LIHEAP based on energy price projections.
Energy Hardship Report
Energy is becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of low- and moderate-income (LMI) households after a recent period of very affordable, low prices.
The tables and charts in this report highlight the difficulties families are facing in paying their home energy bills, with many falling behind.
Data in this report come from various sources, including the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Energy Information Administration, Census Bureau, and utilities.
Download the report here.
Report Highlights
- Americans will spend almost $23 billion more on home heating this winter than last year, with average household heating expenditures up 17.2 percent.
- LMI households spend more than five times as much as the wealthiest households on gasoline and utilities as a percent of income, and twice as much as middle-income households.
- As of August 2022, the national arrearage balance totals almost $16.1 billion, nearly unchanged since August 2021.
- 1 in 6 U.S. households are in arrears (16.7 percent, equivalent to 20 million households).
- 22.1 percent of all households report being unable to pay their energy bill, with 34.3 percent foregoing other necessities and 23.3 percent keeping their home at an unsafe temperature in order to pay their energy bill.
- Nearly half, or 44.9 percent, of LMI households have reported some level of energy insecurity.
Our Latest Posts From The Energy Hardship Project
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Winter Heating Price Outlook: Home Heating Expenditures Remain High for 2023-2024 Heating Season
Prices decline for households using natural gas, but electricity and delivered fuel prices are up.
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Utility Arrearages Rise After Winter Shutoff Moratoriums End
The level of utility consumer debt – the amount consumers owe their utilities – has increased from $17.5 billion at the end of January 2023 to $19.5 billion by the end of March 2023.
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End of Winter Energy Update Shows Households Are Still Struggling to Pay Bills
Utility Arrearages Continue to Increase, Applications for LIHEAP Reach Highest Level in since 2009, Electric Prices Increase Almost Twice the Rate of Inflation
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NEADA Midwinter Energy Update for 2023
The National Energy Assistance Directors’ Association (NEADA) today released its midwinter energy update. The energy update indicates the highest increase in applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) since 2009 and the highest total rate of applications since 2011, as families struggle with paying some of their biggest home energy bills in…
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NEADA Summer Electricity Outlook
Electricity prices are expected to increase significantly this summer
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Energy Inflation Hits Lower Income Families Hardest
Congress must Act to Protect Struggling Families Pay High Energy Bills NEADA’s analysis of rising home energy and gasoline prices by income found that for low and moderate income families (those in the bottom 40% of households) the increases are substantial and could force many to choose between paying their energy bills and essential goods…