A new Q3 2025 analysis by nonprofit organization PowerLines shows utility rate increase requests and approvals total more than $34 billion in the first three quarters of 2025, more than double the $16 billion in requests and approvals over 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 $29 billion in rate increases logged in the first six months of this year.
Utility rate increase requests and approvals in Q3 2025 will affect the utility bills of nearly 34 million electric and gas customer accounts. Cumulatively in 2025, these increases will be reflected in higher monthly expenses for 124 million utility billpayers.
Electricity and gas price increases are not only outpacing inflation. According to Consumer Price Index data, they are the top drivers of inflation, even surpassing increases in other expenses such as groceries, gasoline, vehicles and medicine.
“Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet will see significantly higher utility bills as we head into the colder months of the year,” said Charles Hua, founder and executive director of PowerLines. “In a moment where pocketbook issues continue to burden American consumers, it is imperative that state public utilities commissions further scrutinize utility rate increase requests and consumers make their voices heard.”
News item from PowerLines
