In recent months, residents of several states in the United States have experienced a significant increase in their energy bills, which has generated concern among consumers, authorities and consumer advocates.

While energy companies attribute the increases to weather factors, many users argue that there are other elements at play, such as higher taxes and additional fees.

The increase in electricity costs is not exclusive to a particular region. In several states across the country, consumers have seen bill increases of up to 200% compared to the previous year. For example, as ChooseEnergy.com reported, the average energy rate in Maryland is 13% higher than the national average, and the average monthly bill is 18.5% higher than in other states. This pattern has also been replicated in New York and Pennsylvania, which have seen significant increases in recent months.

Among the main factors that have led to this increase are:1) Extreme weather conditions, which have driven higher energy consumption for heating and cooling; 2) Rate increases from energy companies, such as PEPCO and Con Edison, justified by the need for maintenance and infrastructure; 3) Additional taxes and fees, such as the EmPOWER Maryland charge, intended to fund the energy transition in that state.

High bills

Maryland has become emblematic of the problem. In Prince George's County, residents like Patricia Monroe have reported extreme increases in their bills. Her energy bill went from $348 in November to $1,075 in January, 7News WJLA reported.

PEPCO has justified these increases by arguing that cold weather was a key factor, as there were 34% more days with freezing temperatures compared to previous years, said Chuck McDade, PEPCO spokesman, quoted in a WJLA article.

However, some community leaders and politicians, such as Councilman Ed Burroughs, have called on the state to freeze rate increases to ease the financial burden on citizens.

A similar case occurs in Montgomery County, where Catherine Wallenmeyer reported to 7News WJLA that her electric bill went from $285 in December to $933 in February, even though she keeps her thermostat at 62°F and only two people live in her home. Wallenmeyer argues that 40% of her bill comes from additional taxes and fees, such as the controversial EmPOWER Maryland program, she claimed in the same source.

Other parts of the country, such as New York and Pennsylvania, have also seen significant increases. Con Edison, quoted by El Diario NY, implemented a 9.1% increase in electric bills in August 2023, with additional increases scheduled for 2024 and 2025. In Pennsylvania, in June 2023, UGI Electric customers saw a 46% increase in their bills, while PECO raised its rates by 8.1%, as reported by Telemundo62.

Reducing the Impact

While climate and energy policies are out of consumers' control, there are some measures that can help mitigate the impact of these high bills. Here are some recommendations suggested by Telemundo 62:

1. Set the thermostat at 68°F or lower, which can reduce the bill by up to 5% for each degree lower.
2. Seal doors and windows to prevent cold air leaks and improve the home's thermal efficiency.
3. Review rates and consider fixed-price plans to stabilize monthly costs.
4. Request energy efficiency audits, which many companies, such as PEPCO, offer for free.

The increase in energy rates in the United States is a complex problem that combines climatic factors, energy policies and decisions by energy companies. While extreme cold has boosted consumption, additional tariffs and taxes have exacerbated the situation, leaving many citizens with unsustainable bills. As the transition to renewable energy moves forward, the debate over cost-sharing equity and regulation of the energy sector will remain a key issue in the coming years.