More Than a Third of Americans Cut Back on or Skip Household Necessities to Pay Energy Bills, Led by Southern States
Many Americans still feel budget squeezes — and rising utility bills aren’t helping. According to the latest LendingTree study, electricity bills rose 2.6% between August 2023 and August 2024.
With that in mind, 34.3% of Americans have reported cutting back on or skipping necessary expenses at least once in the past 12 months to pay for utilities. Here’s what else we found.
Key findings
- More than one-third of Americans (34.3%) have reported cutting back on or skipping necessary expenses at least once in the past 12 months to pay for utilities. Additionally, 23.4% have been unable to pay part or all of their energy bill during the same period. These figures are up slightly from a similar period in 2023, when 34.1% cut back on or skipped necessary expenses and 22.0% couldn’t pay their full energy bills.
- Southern states have the highest rate of residents who reported cutting back on or skipping necessary expenses to pay their energy bills. Mississippi leads, with 44.5% of residents reporting doing so. Fellow Southern states Alabama (44.3%) and Oklahoma (42.1%) follow. Overall, four of the top five states are in the South.
- Mississippi residents are also the most likely to struggle to pay their energy bills. 33.4% of Mississippi residents reported being unable to pay part or all of their energy bills over the past 12 months. It’s followed by Connecticut (29.6%) and Alabama (29.4%).
- Americans spent an average of $185.59 on electricity bills in August 2024 — up 2.6% from $180.82 in August 2023. Connecticut had the highest average electricity bill, at $254.47. It’s followed by Arizona ($252.60) and Texas ($233.38). The states with the lowest average bills in August 2024 were Washington ($100.56), Montana ($114.25) and Wyoming ($114.75).
- Electricity costs are just one part of energy expenses — usage matters, too. Hawaii has the highest electricity rate at 42.10 cents per kilowatt-hour (210.1% higher than the national average), but the average monthly energy bill in August 2024 in the state was $230.80 — the fourth-highest in the U.S. Meanwhile, Louisiana has the lowest electricity rate at 11.57 cents per kilowatt-hour. However, its average bill of $190.70 puts it at 18th for average energy bill costs.
34.3% of Americans have made sacrifices to pay their utilities
Over the past 12 months, 34.3% of Americans have said they’ve cut back on or skipped necessary expenses (like medicine or food) at least once to afford their utility bills. Meanwhile, nearly a quarter (23.4%) have been unable to pay part or all of their energy bill during the same period and 22.8% kept their home at an unhealthy or unsafe temperature.
% of Americans who’ve cut back on or skipped necessary expenses to pay for utilities
| Impact on household | % of U.S. households |
|---|---|
| Reduced or skipped expenses for basic household necessities, such as medicine or food, to pay an energy bill | 34.3% |
| Unable to pay an energy bill or the full bill amount | 23.4% |
| Kept home at a temperature that felt unsafe or unhealthy | 22.8% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
That’s similar — albeit a slight increase — to our analysis in 2023. Over a similar period that year, 34.1% of Americans cut back on or skipped necessary expenses and 22.0% couldn’t pay their full energy bills.
Matt Schulz — LendingTree chief credit analyst and author of “Ask Questions, Save Money, Make More: How to Take Control of Your Financial Life” — says it appears that Americans’ situations are largely unchanged.
“Even though inflation has moderated in recent months, life is still crazy-expensive, and that can make it hard to pay your bills,” he says. “Lots of people have found themselves needing to make difficult decisions to keep the lights on. For some, that might mean cutting back on some expenses. For others, it might mean getting a side hustle or a second job. Tough times require tough financial decisions, and that’s what a lot of Americans are facing right now.”
Mississippi, Alabama residents most likely to make sacrifices
By state, those in the South have the highest rate of residents making sacrifices to pay their energy bills. Mississippi (44.5%) leads — up from second last year, when 42.7% of residents reported the same.
Louisiana, which ranked first in last year’s study, falls to No. 4.
States with the highest % of Americans who cut back on or reduced necessary expenses to pay energy bills
| Rank | State | % who forwent or reduced basic expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 44.5% |
| 2 | Alabama | 44.3% |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 42.1% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
Alabama (44.3%) and Oklahoma (42.1%) rank second and third, respectively. Overall, eight of the top 11 states are in the South (No. 10 is a tie). Beyond the top three, the other Southern states are:
- Louisiana (41.7%)
- Tennessee (40.7%)
- Texas (40.4%)
- Arkansas (39.3%)
- Georgia (37.9%)
Schulz says income plays a role here.
“Southern states tend to be low-income states, which means that each month can be a struggle,” he says. “Add in that these are also low credit score states, and the predicament gets tougher. Credit cards and other loans act as a de facto emergency fund for many Americans. That’s hardly ideal, but cards can give struggling Americans a lifeline when times are bleakest. However, if you have crummy credit, can’t get a credit card or a personal loan and are forced to rely on things like payday loans, your situation can become dire in a hurry.”
As for where residents are most likely to keep their homes at unhealthy or unsafe temperatures, California (31.6%) ranks first. It’s followed by Wyoming (30.5%) and Mississippi (29.1%).
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest % of Americans who cut back on or reduced necessary expenses to pay energy bills
| Rank | State | % who forwent or reduced basic expenses |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 44.5% |
| 2 | Alabama | 44.3% |
| 3 | Oklahoma | 42.1% |
| 4 | Louisiana | 41.7% |
| 5 | Wyoming | 41.5% |
| 6 | Tennessee | 40.7% |
| 7 | Texas | 40.4% |
| 8 | Arkansas | 39.3% |
| 9 | Georgia | 37.9% |
| 10 | Indiana | 37.7% |
| 10 | West Virginia | 37.7% |
| 12 | Nevada | 37.4% |
| 13 | Rhode Island | 36.7% |
| 14 | Kentucky | 36.5% |
| 15 | Arizona | 36.3% |
| 16 | Illinois | 36.1% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 36.0% |
| 18 | Ohio | 35.7% |
| 19 | South Carolina | 35.2% |
| 20 | Colorado | 35.0% |
| 21 | Florida | 34.7% |
| 22 | New Mexico | 34.5% |
| 23 | California | 34.4% |
| 24 | Michigan | 34.3% |
| 25 | Missouri | 34.1% |
| 26 | North Carolina | 33.3% |
| 27 | Kansas | 32.9% |
| 27 | New Jersey | 32.9% |
| 29 | Alaska | 32.8% |
| 29 | Hawaii | 32.8% |
| 31 | Idaho | 31.6% |
| 31 | Vermont | 31.6% |
| 33 | Utah | 31.5% |
| 34 | New York | 31.3% |
| 34 | Oregon | 31.3% |
| 36 | Maine | 31.1% |
| 37 | Nebraska | 31.0% |
| 38 | Pennsylvania | 30.4% |
| 39 | Massachusetts | 29.9% |
| 40 | South Dakota | 29.6% |
| 41 | Maryland | 29.2% |
| 42 | Montana | 28.5% |
| 43 | Virginia | 28.2% |
| 44 | Wisconsin | 27.9% |
| 45 | Iowa | 27.1% |
| 46 | Delaware | 27.0% |
| 47 | New Hampshire | 26.9% |
| 48 | North Dakota | 25.2% |
| 49 | Washington | 25.1% |
| 50 | Minnesota | 22.7% |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 14.0% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
States with the highest/lowest % of Americans who kept their homes at temperatures that felt unsafe or unhealthy
| Rank | State | % who kept their homes at unsafe temperatures |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 31.6% |
| 2 | Wyoming | 30.5% |
| 3 | Mississippi | 29.1% |
| 4 | Connecticut | 28.9% |
| 4 | Louisiana | 28.9% |
| 6 | New Mexico | 28.4% |
| 7 | Texas | 27.2% |
| 8 | Alabama | 27.0% |
| 8 | Arizona | 27.0% |
| 10 | Nevada | 25.9% |
| 11 | Arkansas | 24.7% |
| 11 | Tennessee | 24.7% |
| 13 | Oklahoma | 24.5% |
| 14 | Colorado | 23.9% |
| 15 | Massachusetts | 23.8% |
| 15 | Oregon | 23.8% |
| 17 | Utah | 23.3% |
| 18 | Ohio | 23.2% |
| 19 | Rhode Island | 22.8% |
| 20 | Hawaii | 22.4% |
| 21 | Missouri | 22.3% |
| 21 | New York | 22.3% |
| 23 | Kentucky | 22.2% |
| 24 | Michigan | 21.9% |
| 25 | Alaska | 21.6% |
| 25 | Maryland | 21.6% |
| 27 | Maine | 21.4% |
| 28 | Idaho | 21.1% |
| 28 | South Carolina | 21.1% |
| 28 | West Virginia | 21.1% |
| 31 | Georgia | 21.0% |
| 32 | Illinois | 20.9% |
| 33 | Vermont | 20.6% |
| 34 | Kansas | 20.4% |
| 35 | Wisconsin | 19.2% |
| 36 | Montana | 19.1% |
| 37 | New Hampshire | 19.0% |
| 38 | North Dakota | 18.6% |
| 39 | Indiana | 18.2% |
| 40 | Delaware | 18.1% |
| 40 | South Dakota | 18.1% |
| 42 | Pennsylvania | 18.0% |
| 43 | Florida | 17.7% |
| 44 | Washington | 17.6% |
| 45 | Virginia | 17.4% |
| 46 | North Carolina | 17.3% |
| 47 | Nebraska | 16.9% |
| 48 | Iowa | 16.6% |
| 49 | New Jersey | 15.2% |
| 50 | Minnesota | 14.3% |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 11.9% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
Mississippi residents struggle most with fully paying their bills
They’re not just cutting back: Mississippi residents are also the most likely to struggle to pay their energy bills, with 33.4% reporting being unable to pay part or all of their bills at least once over the past 12 months.
Connecticut ranks second at 29.6%, followed by Alabama at 29.4%.
States with the highest % of Americans who were unable to pay part or all of an energy bill
| Rank | State | % who were unable to pay energy bill |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 33.4% |
| 2 | Connecticut | 29.6% |
| 3 | Alabama | 29.4% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
Three other states that rank in the top 11 for residents forgoing or reducing basic expenses also join Mississippi in the top six here: Alabama, Louisiana (No. 4 at 28.5%) and Wyoming (No. 6 at 27.1%).
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest % of Americans who were unable to pay part or all of an energy bill
| Rank | State | % who were unable to pay an energy bill |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mississippi | 33.4% |
| 2 | Connecticut | 29.6% |
| 3 | Alabama | 29.4% |
| 4 | Louisiana | 28.5% |
| 5 | New Jersey | 28.2% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 27.1% |
| 7 | New Mexico | 26.9% |
| 8 | West Virginia | 26.5% |
| 9 | California | 26.3% |
| 10 | Michigan | 25.9% |
| 11 | Indiana | 25.8% |
| 12 | Georgia | 25.6% |
| 13 | Hawaii | 25.5% |
| 13 | Kentucky | 25.5% |
| 15 | Maine | 25.4% |
| 15 | Ohio | 25.4% |
| 17 | Alaska | 24.5% |
| 18 | Oklahoma | 24.4% |
| 18 | Pennsylvania | 24.4% |
| 20 | Utah | 23.9% |
| 21 | New York | 23.7% |
| 21 | Tennessee | 23.7% |
| 23 | Texas | 23.4% |
| 24 | North Carolina | 23.3% |
| 25 | Vermont | 23.1% |
| 26 | Massachusetts | 22.7% |
| 27 | Illinois | 22.5% |
| 27 | Virginia | 22.5% |
| 29 | New Hampshire | 22.3% |
| 29 | Oregon | 22.3% |
| 31 | Colorado | 22.1% |
| 32 | Nevada | 21.4% |
| 33 | Arizona | 21.3% |
| 34 | Rhode Island | 21.1% |
| 35 | Missouri | 21.0% |
| 36 | Maryland | 20.6% |
| 36 | South Carolina | 20.6% |
| 38 | Florida | 20.3% |
| 39 | Nebraska | 20.0% |
| 40 | Idaho | 19.9% |
| 41 | Arkansas | 19.1% |
| 42 | Kansas | 18.8% |
| 43 | Iowa | 18.2% |
| 43 | North Dakota | 18.2% |
| 45 | South Dakota | 17.5% |
| 46 | Delaware | 17.3% |
| 46 | Montana | 17.3% |
| 48 | Minnesota | 17.0% |
| 49 | Wisconsin | 16.4% |
| 50 | Washington | 15.8% |
| 51 | District of Columbia | 11.9% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data.
Average utility bills rose slightly between 2023 and 2024
The cost of utilities is rising, too. On average, Americans spent $185.59 on electricity bills in August 2024. That’s up 2.6% from $180.82 in August 2023.
Schulz expects that increase to continue. “For one, climate change and the extreme weather that can come along with it may lead to greater usage, both in the heat of summer and the cold of winter,” he says. “Also, many utility companies are seeking to raise their rates in response to growing demand and other issues, and they’re getting their way in many cases. It all adds up to some challenges for people with tight budgets.”
By state, Connecticut had the highest average electricity bill during this time, at $254.47 — 37.1% higher than the national average. Just behind, Arizona residents spent an average of $252.60 (36.1% above the national average), while Texas residents spent $233.38 (25.8% above the national average).
States with the highest average monthly electricity bills
| Rank | State | Average monthly bill, August 2024 | % difference from national average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $254.47 | 37.1% |
| 2 | Arizona | $252.60 | 36.1% |
| 3 | Texas | $233.38 | 25.8% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) data.
Meanwhile, Washington had the lowest utility bills, with an average of $100.56. It’s followed by Montana ($114.25) and Wyoming ($114.75).
How do these prices compare to last year? Monthly electricity bills rose in 37 states from August 2023 to August 2024. The largest increases were in New Jersey (21.4%), Wyoming (20.8%) and New York (20.2%).
States with the biggest % increases in average monthly electricity bills
| Rank | State | Average monthly bill, August 2024 | Average monthly bill, August 2023 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $197.64 | $162.78 | 21.4% |
| 2 | Wyoming | $114.75 | $94.98 | 20.8% |
| 3 | New York | $193.40 | $160.96 | 20.2% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. EIA data.
In contrast, the biggest decreases occurred in Florida (13.8%), Maine (11.8%) and Texas (9.6%).
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest average monthly electricity bills
| Rank | State | Average monthly bill, August 2024 | % difference from national average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Connecticut | $254.47 | 37.1% |
| 2 | Arizona | $252.60 | 36.1% |
| 3 | Texas | $233.38 | 25.8% |
| 4 | Hawaii | $230.80 | 24.4% |
| 5 | Alabama | $225.65 | 21.6% |
| 6 | California | $218.14 | 17.5% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | $216.23 | 16.5% |
| 8 | Georgia | $212.47 | 14.5% |
| 9 | Nevada | $204.03 | 9.9% |
| 10 | Mississippi | $203.82 | 9.8% |
| 11 | Oklahoma | $201.06 | 8.3% |
| 12 | New Jersey | $197.64 | 6.5% |
| 13 | South Carolina | $196.44 | 5.8% |
| 14 | Maryland | $196.19 | 5.7% |
| 15 | Florida | $195.24 | 5.2% |
| 16 | Missouri | $194.06 | 4.6% |
| 17 | New York | $193.40 | 4.2% |
| 18 | Louisiana | $190.70 | 2.8% |
| 19 | Massachusetts | $189.73 | 2.2% |
| 20 | Tennessee | $184.38 | -0.7% |
| 21 | Delaware | $182.71 | -1.6% |
| 22 | Kansas | $178.83 | -3.6% |
| 23 | North Carolina | $175.37 | -5.5% |
| 24 | Virginia | $174.25 | -6.1% |
| 25 | Indiana | $173.99 | -6.3% |
| 26 | West Virginia | $171.11 | -7.8% |
| 27 | Arkansas | $170.68 | -8.0% |
| 28 | Ohio | $170.04 | -8.4% |
| 29 | Kentucky | $169.36 | -8.7% |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $168.84 | -9.0% |
| 31 | New Hampshire | $166.94 | -10.0% |
| 32 | Michigan | $149.46 | -19.5% |
| 33 | District of Columbia | $147.27 | -20.6% |
| 34 | Colorado | $146.38 | -21.1% |
| 35 | Illinois | $146.06 | -21.3% |
| 36 | Iowa | $144.36 | -22.2% |
| 37 | South Dakota | $141.60 | -23.7% |
| 38 | Nebraska | $140.23 | -24.4% |
| 39 | New Mexico | $138.92 | -25.1% |
| 40 | Alaska | $136.25 | -26.6% |
| 41 | Wisconsin | $134.68 | -27.4% |
| 42 | Maine | $133.94 | -27.8% |
| 43 | Minnesota | $130.74 | -29.6% |
| 44 | Utah | $129.13 | -30.4% |
| 45 | Vermont | $127.23 | -31.4% |
| 46 | Oregon | $125.54 | -32.4% |
| 47 | North Dakota | $117.79 | -36.5% |
| 48 | Idaho | $117.75 | -36.6% |
| 49 | Wyoming | $114.75 | -38.2% |
| 50 | Montana | $114.25 | -38.4% |
| 51 | Washington | $100.56 | -45.8% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. EIA data.
States with the biggest % increases/decreases in average monthly electricity bills
| Rank | State | Average monthly bill, August 2024 | Average monthly bill, August 2023 | % change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Jersey | $197.64 | $162.78 | 21.4% |
| 2 | Wyoming | $114.75 | $94.98 | 20.8% |
| 3 | New York | $193.40 | $160.96 | 20.2% |
| 4 | Illinois | $146.06 | $122.84 | 18.9% |
| 5 | Rhode Island | $216.23 | $182.42 | 18.5% |
| 6 | District of Columbia | $147.27 | $127.74 | 15.3% |
| 7 | Indiana | $173.99 | $152.88 | 13.8% |
| 7 | West Virginia | $171.11 | $150.42 | 13.8% |
| 9 | Colorado | $146.38 | $128.88 | 13.6% |
| 10 | Michigan | $149.46 | $132.98 | 12.4% |
| 11 | Connecticut | $254.47 | $227.69 | 11.8% |
| 12 | Ohio | $170.04 | $152.79 | 11.3% |
| 13 | Vermont | $127.23 | $114.45 | 11.2% |
| 14 | Maryland | $196.19 | $177.15 | 10.7% |
| 15 | Kentucky | $169.36 | $153.35 | 10.4% |
| 16 | Alaska | $136.25 | $124.64 | 9.3% |
| 17 | Tennessee | $184.38 | $169.82 | 8.6% |
| 18 | Hawaii | $230.80 | $212.96 | 8.4% |
| 19 | California | $218.14 | $201.70 | 8.2% |
| 20 | Utah | $129.13 | $120.24 | 7.4% |
| 21 | Missouri | $194.06 | $181.26 | 7.1% |
| 22 | North Carolina | $175.37 | $164.02 | 6.9% |
| 23 | New Mexico | $138.92 | $131.22 | 5.9% |
| 24 | Arizona | $252.60 | $238.96 | 5.7% |
| 25 | Washington | $100.56 | $95.45 | 5.4% |
| 26 | Oregon | $125.54 | $120.27 | 4.4% |
| 27 | Idaho | $117.75 | $113.13 | 4.1% |
| 28 | Georgia | $212.47 | $205.94 | 3.2% |
| 29 | Kansas | $178.83 | $173.98 | 2.8% |
| 30 | Pennsylvania | $168.84 | $165.14 | 2.2% |
| 31 | Delaware | $182.71 | $178.95 | 2.1% |
| 32 | Montana | $114.25 | $112.67 | 1.4% |
| 33 | North Dakota | $117.79 | $116.38 | 1.2% |
| 33 | Alabama | $225.65 | $222.98 | 1.2% |
| 35 | South Carolina | $196.44 | $194.31 | 1.1% |
| 36 | South Dakota | $141.60 | $140.17 | 1.0% |
| 37 | Wisconsin | $134.68 | $134.00 | 0.5% |
| 38 | Virginia | $174.25 | $175.01 | -0.4% |
| 39 | Nebraska | $140.23 | $141.80 | -1.1% |
| 40 | Oklahoma | $201.06 | $205.80 | -2.3% |
| 41 | Massachusetts | $189.73 | $197.22 | -3.8% |
| 42 | Minnesota | $130.74 | $136.03 | -3.9% |
| 43 | Iowa | $144.36 | $152.39 | -5.3% |
| 44 | New Hampshire | $166.94 | $177.12 | -5.7% |
| 45 | Mississippi | $203.82 | $216.34 | -5.8% |
| 46 | Arkansas | $170.68 | $184.38 | -7.4% |
| 47 | Nevada | $204.03 | $221.65 | -7.9% |
| 48 | Louisiana | $190.70 | $208.90 | -8.7% |
| 49 | Texas | $233.38 | $258.25 | -9.6% |
| 50 | Maine | $133.94 | $151.81 | -11.8% |
| 51 | Florida | $195.24 | $226.54 | -13.8% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. EIA data.
Some states have high electricity costs but low usage
While the bills may be high in some states, it comes down to usage: Some states may have high rates but low average monthly bills (and vice versa).
For example, Hawaii has the highest electricity rate at 42.10 cents per kilowatt-hour. That’s a whopping 210.1% higher than the national average of 16.63. Still, the average monthly energy bill in August 2024 in the state was $230.80 — only the fourth-highest in the U.S.
Despite having the biggest average bill, Connecticut only has the third-highest electricity rate at 29.93 cents per kilowatt-hour.
States with the highest electricity rates
| Rank | State | Average electricity price (cents per kilowatt-hour) | % difference from national average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 42.10 | 210.1% |
| 2 | California | 31.05 | 119.0% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 29.93 | 109.7% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. EIA data.
Conversely, Louisiana (11.57 cents per kilowatt-hour) has the lowest electricity rate. However, its average bill is $190.70 — ranking 18th by average energy bill costs.
Full rankings
States with the highest/lowest electricity rates
| Rank | State | Average electricity price (cents per kilowatt-hour) | % difference from national average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hawaii | 42.10 | 210.1% |
| 2 | California | 31.05 | 119.0% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 29.93 | 109.7% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 29.42 | 105.5% |
| 5 | Alaska | 28.19 | 95.4% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 26.66 | 82.8% |
| 7 | New York | 25.21 | 70.8% |
| 8 | Maine | 23.39 | 55.8% |
| 9 | New Hampshire | 22.86 | 51.4% |
| 10 | Vermont | 21.40 | 39.4% |
| 11 | New Jersey | 20.67 | 33.3% |
| 12 | Michigan | 19.67 | 25.1% |
| 13 | Maryland | 17.84 | 10.0% |
| 14 | Wisconsin | 17.57 | 7.8% |
| 14 | Pennsylvania | 17.57 | 7.8% |
| 16 | District of Columbia | 17.40 | 6.4% |
| 17 | Minnesota | 16.33 | -2.5% |
| 18 | Ohio | 15.82 | -6.7% |
| 19 | Illinois | 15.77 | -7.1% |
| 20 | Delaware | 15.68 | -7.8% |
| 21 | Colorado | 15.65 | -8.1% |
| 22 | West Virginia | 15.44 | -9.8% |
| 23 | New Mexico | 15.26 | -11.3% |
| 24 | Georgia | 14.90 | -14.3% |
| 25 | Oregon | 14.89 | -14.4% |
| 26 | Indiana | 14.87 | -14.5% |
| 26 | Alabama | 14.87 | -14.5% |
| 26 | Iowa | 14.87 | -14.5% |
| 29 | Arizona | 14.85 | -14.7% |
| 30 | Texas | 14.83 | -14.9% |
| 30 | Missouri | 14.83 | -14.9% |
| 32 | South Carolina | 14.62 | -16.6% |
| 33 | Kansas | 14.56 | -17.1% |
| 34 | Virginia | 14.40 | -18.4% |
| 35 | North Carolina | 14.19 | -20.1% |
| 36 | South Dakota | 13.85 | -22.9% |
| 37 | Wyoming | 13.81 | -23.3% |
| 38 | Nevada | 13.73 | -23.9% |
| 39 | Florida | 13.64 | -24.7% |
| 40 | Montana | 13.32 | -27.3% |
| 41 | Mississippi | 13.01 | -29.9% |
| 42 | Oklahoma | 12.92 | -30.6% |
| 43 | North Dakota | 12.70 | -32.4% |
| 44 | Kentucky | 12.68 | -32.6% |
| 45 | Nebraska | 12.52 | -33.9% |
| 46 | Arkansas | 12.47 | -34.3% |
| 47 | Tennessee | 12.45 | -34.5% |
| 48 | Washington | 12.21 | -36.5% |
| 49 | Idaho | 12.12 | -37.2% |
| 50 | Utah | 11.78 | -40.0% |
| 51 | Louisiana | 11.57 | -41.7% |
Source: LendingTree analysis of U.S. EIA data.
Managing high utility bills: Top expert tips
Paying the bills can be a pain, but you don’t have to forgo necessities to keep yourself comfortable. Schulz offers the following advice:
- Consider a debt consolidation loan. “One of the best things you can do to free up extra money to pay your utility bills is to knock down the interest you’re paying on your debt,” he says. “Consolidating your debt through a personal loan can help. It’s important to shop around and compare lenders before applying. It’s also crucial to make sure you understand the rates, fees and other key details around the loan. However, once you find the right one, it can make a significant difference to your budget.”
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. “If you’re in a short-term financial pinch, consider calling the utility company and letting them know,” Schulz says. “Many companies have programs designed to help people through rough patches, but you won’t know unless you’re willing to reach out. And don’t wait until the very last second to call. As soon as you know that you may not be able to pay that bill this month, call them and start that conversation.”
- Bundle up. “Even changing the temperature on the thermostat by a degree can make a difference when the bill comes due,” he says. “If you can be OK with throwing another blanket on the bed or wearing a little bit more clothing around the house during the worst of winter, you can save yourself real money.”
Methodology
LendingTree researchers analyzed U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey data from Phase 4.2, Cycle 9, conducted Aug. 20, 2024, to Sep. 16, 2024 — the latest available. The analysis excluded those who didn’t respond to the question.
Specifically, researchers looked at the percentage of the population 18 and older that did the following at least once over the past year:
- Cut back on or reduced necessary expenses to pay energy bills
- Kept their home at a temperature that felt unsafe or unhealthy
- Was unable to pay part of an energy bill or the full bill amount
Researchers analyzed U.S. Energy Information Administration data to identify the states where residents spend the most on energy each month. This was calculated by dividing the revenue from residential electricity sales by the number of residential consumers for each state in August 2024 and comparing it to data from August 2023. Additionally, the average price of electricity for residential consumers in each state for August 2024 was included in the analysis.