Energy bills for U.S. households will go up an average of $6,500, with these states paying even more

Household energy expenses in the United States are expected to surge by an average of $6,500 over the next two decades, with specific states facing even steeper increases, according to analysis conducted by nonpartisan think tank Energy Innovation. The total projected rise in energy costs, running from 2026 to 2040, amounts to $9,000 in five states: Oregon, Mississippi, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wyoming.

Energy Innovation attributes this trend to federal policy shifts initiated since President Donald Trump's return to office, which include the cancellation of new clean energy projects and the revocation of incentives for more efficient vehicles. Consequently, demand for natural gas for electricity and gasoline for transportation is expected to increase, thereby driving up prices.

Notably, electricity costs in the U.S. have been outpacing inflation in many regions, and data center demands are exacerbating this issue. Additionally, the Iran war has led to significant hikes in oil and gasoline prices. Trump's administration claims his energy policies will lower household bills, but critics argue that these policies favor fossil fuels over clean energy, potentially leading to higher costs and health issues.

Energy Innovation's projections also indicate a rise in premature deaths and healthcare expenses due to increased air pollution. The think tank did not include Alaska and Hawaii in their analysis due to the lack of relevant federal data.