Energy Bills Strain Most Americans, Audits Offer Relief
A Consumer Reports survey finds many households cutting essentials to keep up with rising utility costs.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Home Repair
Live Poll
Have rising energy bills forced you to cut back on other household spending?
A Consumer Reports survey found 68% of Americans feel financial strain from energy bills, and about a quarter say those costs strain their finances a lot. Some households are forgoing necessities such as groceries to cover utility payments.
Why it matters
Electricity rate increases continue to outpace inflation, leaving many households with less room in their budgets. Targeted efficiency steps can reduce monthly costs without requiring major spending.
Consumer Reports' survey places the share of Americans feeling energy-bill strain at 68%, with more than half reporting trade-offs to pay utility bills over the past two years. Free audits offered through utilities or local nonprofits are the recommended starting point, though their availability by region was not detailed.
The players
Consumer Reports
Consumer Reports is a nonprofit consumer testing and advocacy organization known for product ratings and independent research.
The details
Consumer Reports recommends free or low-cost home energy audits, which identify areas where a house leaks air and wastes energy. Homeowners are advised to address uninsulated attics, basements, and crawl spaces first, then other air gaps. The group also recommends a smart thermostat, LED bulbs, and setting water heaters to 120 degrees instead of the common 140 degrees.
Timeline
Over the past two years, more than half of Americans reported making trade-offs to pay utility bills.
Consumer Reports published its findings on November 11, 2026.
Rate Pressure
The survey's strain figures follow Consumer Reports' documented finding that electricity rate increases continue to outpace inflation. As utility costs climb faster than general prices, households are increasingly absorbing the gap through trade-offs.
Households can start with a free or low-cost energy audit to find air leaks in attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Simple changes such as a smart thermostat, LED bulbs, and a 120-degree water heater setting can reduce monthly utility bills.
The takeaway
Small, low-cost efficiency upgrades can ease monthly energy bills before larger household budget pressures build. Starting with a free audit identifies the highest-impact fixes first.
Further reading
For more practical fixes, see our Home Repair guides on sealing drafts and improving home efficiency.
Live Poll
Have rising energy bills forced you to cut back on other household spending?
