Over the last year, Suzann Hernandez and Camilo Aguirre have worked hard to cut their energy expenses. They took simple steps, like turning off lights and using less heating or cooling. They even insulated their windows and kept the thermostat at a constant 76 degrees, even during the hottest summer days.
Despite their efforts, their energy savings were minimal. The couple learned that a rate hike hit New Jersey on June 1. This increase, approved by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, raised electric bills by 17%. As a result, their expected savings of $50 turned into just $20, as Hernandez shared with CBS News.
The situation isn’t unique to just New Jersey. “This is a national problem,” said Dan Cassino, a political expert at Fairleigh Dickinson University.
A report from PowerLines, a nonprofit focused on energy costs, revealed that utility rate increases reached over $34 billion in the first three quarters of 2025. This number is nearly double the $16 billion from the same period in 2024. As a result, more than 124 million customers will feel the impact of these hikes this year. For many families already facing financial stress, rising energy bills mean added hardship.
According to recent data, residential electricity costs for American households rose 11% from January to August this year. This trend has many feeling helpless. Karin Gudal, a customer in Ohio, expressed her frustration: “It feels like there’s nothing we can do about it. We can try to make our buildings energy efficient, but that costs money too.”
As rising energy costs become a hot topic, politicians are paying attention. Candidates in New Jersey’s upcoming gubernatorial race are promising to help lower bills. Both Democratic candidate Mikie Sherrill and Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli are using rising energy prices as a focal point in their campaigns, capitalizing on the frustration of voters.
Cassino believes this trend will continue to affect political races across the country. He remarked, “This isn’t going away. Energy bills aren’t going down anytime soon, and it will be a key issue in future elections.”
The rising cost of living and utility rates is affecting everyone, from families like Hernandez and Aguirre to political candidates. It’s clear that energy expenses will remain a vital concern for many Americans in the future. For more insights on this topic, visit the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
