54% of Americans Overwhelmed by Utility Bills

Fifty-four percent of Americans get overwhelmed by their monthly utility bills, and 1 in 3 struggle to pay them, according to a survey of over 1,000 conducted by American Home Shield. 

These worries and struggles may be attributed to the fact that 89% of respondents have experienced increased utility costs in the last year. They most commonly reported the following utilities increasing: 

1. Electric (77%) 
2. Internet (46%) 
3. Gas (42%) 
4. Water (39%)
5. Phone (18%) 

Of those who said their electric bills increased, the average increase was 11% in the last year, with the average cost of their most recent bill totaling $232.  

To combat increasing bills, 30% reported getting a second job, 24% said they’re reducing grocery spending and 10% said they’re skipping medical care or prescriptions. 

Still, 28% of respondents reported missing at least one payment in the last year, with 14% missing two or more, and 61% said they’re worried about the financial sustainability of ongoing rate hikes. 

How else are Americans cutting utility costs? 

Of all survey respondents, 63% said they carefully review their bills, and 26% said they’ve disputed a bill before. Of those, 48% paid less, with an average bill reduction of $433. 

Other ways they’re saving on their electric bills include: 

1. Using less light (64%)
2. Using LED bulbs (46%) 
3. Keeping their home warmer/colder than is comfortable (44%)
4. Unplugging appliances (39%) 
5. Using energy-saving mode on appliances (25%) 
6. Winterizing (24%)