Investor-Owned Utilities Made $244 Billion in Excessive Profits Amid U.S. Energy Affordability Crisis
By
Energy Innovation: Policy and Technology
The bagel they save for the regulars. Don't skim, savour.
Summary
A new analysis reveals that investor-owned utilities in the U.S. pocketed $244 billion in "excessive" profits as Americans face a worsening energy affordability crisis. Electricity bills rose 13% last year, with 14 million households facing utility debt severe enough to be sent to collections. Key factors include volatile natural gas prices driven by record LNG exports, expensive coal plants kept online, the data center boom, and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act repealing federal tax credits meant to protect consumers.
Key quotes
· 3 pulledAmericans can feel the affordability crisis spiraling out of control.
Electricity bills rose 13% last year, forcing families to pay $110 more in 2025 compared to 2024.
14 million people – one in 14 households - facing utility debt so severe they will be sent or soon will be sent to collections.
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