A new one Analysis of the third quarter of 2025 by a non-profit organization Streamline shows that requests and approvals for utility rate increases totaled more than $34 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, more than double the $16 billion in requests and approvals during the same period in 2024.
This figure includes $5.1 billion in requested or approved rate increases in the third quarter of 2025 alone, on top of the $29 billion in rate increases recorded in the first six months of this year.
Rate increase requests and approvals in the third quarter of 2025 will impact the utility bills of nearly 34 million electricity and gas customers. Cumulatively, these increases will be reflected in higher monthly expenses for 124 million energy bill payers by 2025.
The increases in electricity and gas prices not only exceed inflation. According to Consumer Price Index DataThey are the biggest drivers of inflation, even outpacing increases in other expenses such as groceries, gasoline, vehicles and medicine.
“Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet will see significantly higher energy bills as we enter the colder months of the year,” said Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines. “At a time when wallet issues continue to burden American consumers, it is imperative that state utility commissions further scrutinize requests for rate increases and that consumers make their voices heard.”
News item from PowerLines
