Consumer Reports Survey: One in Five Americans Skips Groceries to Pay Rising Power Bills

About 20% of U.S. households have cut back on groceries to afford electricity and roughly 25% are enduring uncomfortable indoor temperatures to lower energy costs, according to a Consumer Reports survey of more than 2,000 adults. The nonprofit advocacy group published the findings as utility costs worsen an affordability squeeze on American families. Electricity prices in major U.S. cities have climbed 14% over three years, federal data show. Among respondents who have stayed in the same home at least three years, 80% reported higher bills, with 28% citing increases of 20% to 49%. Respondents blamed utilities seeking maximum profit and the rapid buildout of data centers; Schneider Electric forecasts electricity demand will rise 16% by 2029. The strain comes alongside elevated gasoline and diesel prices tied to higher oil costs amid the war in Iran. Consumer Reports said it is launching "Power Smarter," including a "CR Bill Decoder" tool that will anonymize submitted bills to analyze trends and advocate for affordability.