American families are drowning in utility debt as nearly 6 million households face severe delinquencies that threaten to destroy their credit, exposing the hidden cost of Big Tech’s AI expansion and liberal energy policies that prioritize corporate profits over working families.
Story Snapshot
- Utility debt jumped 9.7% to $789 per household, while monthly energy bills soared 12% over the past year.
- Nearly 6 million American families face severe utility debt that is headed to collection agencies.
- AI data centers consume massive amounts of electricity, driving up costs for ordinary Americans.
- Liberal think tank blames Trump while ignoring Democrats’ renewable energy failures.
Families Crushed by Soaring Energy Costs
The Century Foundation’s analysis reveals past due utility balances jumped 9.7% annually to $789 between April-June periods of 2024 and 2025. Monthly energy bills simultaneously increased by 12% during the same timeframe.
These numbers represent real American families choosing between heating their homes and putting food on the table.
The foundation’s president, Julie Margetta Morgan, admits consumers typically prioritize utility bills alongside mortgages and auto loans, suggesting widespread financial distress across multiple household expenses.
New analysis shows more US consumers are falling behind on their utility bills https://t.co/sJlYK0zoIk pic.twitter.com/IVGuYELoL3
— Sentinel Business (@OSentinelBiz) November 17, 2025
Big Tech’s Hidden Tax on Working Americans
Artificial intelligence data centers demand enormous electricity consumption, creating an invisible tax on everyday Americans struggling to pay their utility bills.
Trump promotes AI industry expansion as part of America’s economic boom, yet these facilities dramatically increase electricity demand without providing direct benefits to working families.
The administration faces pressure from voters frustrated with high living costs while simultaneously pushing policies that may worsen utility affordability. This contradiction highlights the challenge of balancing technological advancement with household economics.
Liberal Bias Behind Economic Attack
The Century Foundation, a liberal think tank, produced this analysis while its contributors previously worked at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau under Democrat administrations.
Mike Pierce from Protect Borrowers claims “tech giants are cutting backroom deals with politicians,” targeting Trump while ignoring decades of Democrat policies that created today’s energy crisis.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent correctly notes that electricity prices remain primarily state-regulated issues, with Democrat states relying heavily on expensive renewable energy experiencing higher costs.
Trump Administration’s Measured Response
President Trump maintains that costs under his administration are declining, particularly gasoline and energy prices, while dismissing Democrat claims about affordability as politically motivated attacks.
The administration recognizes state utility boards control local electricity pricing, avoiding federal overreach that Democrats typically embrace.
Trump’s focus on reducing gasoline prices, which represent 3% of the consumer price index compared to electricity’s similar share, demonstrates practical energy policy prioritizing immediate family relief over environmental virtue signaling.
