New Utility Rate Hikes as Trump and Republicans Take Energy Options Off the Grid
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According to the Energy Information Administration, household electricity costs have increased 13% under Trump
Washington, DC – As Americans face record cold temperatures after a massive winter storm that left more than one million people without power, Trump and Republicans have already made it more expensive to stay warm. Trump has threatened or canceled 324 clean energy projects or companies, taking energy options off the grid as demand soars. 49 states and the District of Columbia saw rate hikes announced in 2025.
Over the weekend, three states approved rate hikes that will hurt American families who are already struggling with skyrocketing utility bills.
Arkansas
[1/23/26] Arkansas Democrat Gazette: Public Service Commission approves SWEPCO’s rate increase
Southwestern Electric Power Co. customers in Arkansas will see their monthly bills increase by 23% after the Public Service Commission’s approval Friday of the utility’s rate increase request.
Residential customers with average electricity use could see their monthly bills rise by $24.32, according to a commission document. The new rate will begin with the February billing cycle.
Colorado
[1/23/26] FOX 21: Colorado Springs Utilities proposes gas rate increase
If you get your gas from Colorado Springs Utilities (Springs Utilities), your bill could be going up this year.
Springs Utilities recently told FOX21 News that the proposed natural gas increase would be through a bill rider, which is expected to be presented to the Utilities Board on Feb. 18. The estimated bill impact for residential customers is about $7 to $10 more per month.
New York
The New York Public State Commission approved a three-year gas rate plan for Liberty Utilities customers that will raise the average monthly residential gas bill by a total of $9.81.
Donald Trump’s reckless energy policies are causing utility rates to skyrocket across the country:
- The New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) approved a rate hike request from Con Ed that will raise electricity prices by 9% and gas prices by 6% over the next three years.
- San Diegans saw a 7.4% rate hike on average on January 1, and bills are projected to increase by $5 starting in April after the California Public Service Commission approved a rate hike request from San Diego Gas & Electric.
- Peoples Gas, which supplies natural gas to nearly 900,000 Chicagoans, is seeking a rate hike that would raise the average monthly bill by $10 to $11.
- Nicor Gas, which has 2.3 million customers in northern Illinois, is seeking a rate hike that would raise the average monthly bill by around $6.
- In North Carolina, Piedmont Natural Gas customers were upset about sudden increases in their monthly bill, with some ratepayers complaining that their bills had doubled.
- Atmos Energy is asking the City of Dallas to approve a 10% rate hike for gas customers that would raise the average monthly bill by $11.25.