New analysis shows more US consumers are past due on utility bills.
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President Donald Trump waves as he walks to board Marine One, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, on the South Lawn of the White House, in Washington for a trip to Palm Beach, Fla. (AP Photo/Allison Robbert) WASHINGTON (AP) — More people are falling behind on paying their bills to keep on the lights and heat their homes, according to a new analysis of consumer data — a warning sign for the U.S. economy and another political headache for President Donald Trump. Past due balances to utility companies jumped 9.
AI Summary
Main Idea: New analysis says more U.S. households are falling behind on utility bills, adding pressure on consumers and creating a political problem for President Donald Trump.
Key Points:
- Past due utility balances rose 9.7% from 2024 to 2025, reaching an average of $789.
- The rise came as monthly energy bills jumped 12% over the same period.
- The Century Foundation and Protect Borrowers said nearly 6 million households have utility debt severe enough to soon go to collections.
- Trump is arguing that inflation is under control, but the report says higher power costs may be hurting families and could affect next year’s midterm elections.
Impact on the People
Negative Impact
More households are falling behind on utility bills, which can lead to service shutoffs, debt collection, and tighter budgets for families and small businesses.
Positive Impact
No clear positive impact identified.
How did each entity affect people?
Rate how each entity in this article affected the American people.
- Primary:President Donald Trumpperson
Candidate Entities9 candidates · 5 weighted vote min · 70% decision
- President Donald TrumppersonPrimaryEvaluated
Central political figure in the story; his administration’s stance on utility costs, inflation, and energy policy is a.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Consumer Financial Protection Bureaugovernment agency or bodyMajorAI selected
Central government agency discussed as having been effectively shut down by the Trump administration.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Julie Margetta MorganpersonMajorAI selected
Named leader of The Century Foundation quoted on the analysis and its implications.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Mike PiercepersonMajorAI selected
Named executive director of Protect Borrowers quoted on the issue and policy response.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Protect Borrowersnonprofit / NGOMajorAI selected
Named advocacy group cited repeatedly and directly commenting on the affordability issue.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - The Century Foundationnonprofit / NGOMajorAI selected
Named organization providing the core analysis on overdue utility bills and delinquencies.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold - Treasury Secretary Scott BessentpersonMajorAI selected
Named administration official directly stating the federal government’s position on electricity prices.
Include 0 (0%)Ignore 0 (0%)5 to threshold
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