Trump’s Pledge to Halve Energy Bills Falters Nationwide
Former President Donald Trump has fallen short of his significant electoral promise to halve energy bills within his first year in office. Rather than reductions, electricity prices have escalated across the country, placing financial strain on American households. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average household electricity bill in the U.S. increased by 6.7% in 2025 compared to 2024, translating to an additional cost of nearly $116 per household.
Sharp Increases in Electricity Costs
The rises in electricity rates have been particularly pronounced in certain regions. Washington D.C. experienced the highest increase at 23%. Other states followed, such as Indiana at 17% and Illinois at 15%, as recorded by the EIA. The Midwest has faced the steepest bill hikes, largely attributed to a 4.9% increase in the base cost of electricity itself.
Rising Gas Prices and Disconnections
Compounding the issue, gas prices have also surged by an average of 5.2% over the past year. This financial crunch has led to a surge in power disconnections. In New York, the disconnection rate increased fivefold compared to the previous year. Many families are forced to make sacrifices just to keep their lights on.
- Average electricity bill increase: 6.7%
- Additional cost per household: nearly $116
- Washington D.C. increase: 23%
- Indiana increase: 17%
- Illinois increase: 15%
Broken Promises and Public Discontent
As Trump nears the first anniversary of his inauguration, he has yet to fulfill his commitment to reduce energy bills by 50% within 12 months. This pledge was one of the main pillars of his 2024 campaign alongside commitments to lower grocery prices and curtail immigration. Given the recent price escalations, public frustration is palpable.
Mark Wolfe, executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, noted that instead of achieving lower electric bills, the president’s policies have driven costs higher for many families. He expressed concern for middle-income households now struggling to meet their energy expenses.
Individual Stories of Struggle
Angie Shaneyfelt, a resident of Baltimore, Maryland, exemplifies the plight of many. Her utility costs have surged from under $300 to $400 since December 2024. She has considered taking a second job to help cover these rising bills, which would take away valuable time from her family.
Energy Policy and Infrastructure Challenges
Trump’s energy policy has primarily focused on expanding oil and gas production while dismantling environmental regulations. Critics argue this approach has not only hampered renewable energy projects but also contributed to the rising demand for electricity without sufficient infrastructure to meet it.
Abe Silverman, an energy transition expert at Johns Hopkins University, emphasized that the demand for electricity has outpaced the infrastructure’s ability to keep up, leading to further cost increases.
Impact on Households
Polling indicates that energy bills are a major concern for over one-third of Americans. With heating bills projected to rise by an average of 9.2% this winter, the financial burden is expected to increase. The EIA estimates that the average household will spend approximately $995 on heating this season, reflecting an $84 increase compared to last year.
Future Implications
As more Americans grapple with escalating energy costs, federal assistance programs are facing cuts. Tax credits for energy efficiency upgrades have been eliminated, affecting over six million low-income households. Amidst mounting criticism, the Trump administration has asserted that cheap energy is vital for economic growth.
The discourse surrounding energy costs is likely to intensify as the midterm elections approach. Both Democrats and Republicans are aware that Trump’s unfulfilled promises regarding energy bills could significantly influence voter sentiments in upcoming elections.
