Most US consumers think utility profit-seeking is driving up their energy bills, a new survey suggests. (Pew)
The major factor behind rising electricity costs, according to 64% of respondents? “Utility companies wanting to make more money, ” per a March Pew survey of over 3.5K US adults. Meanwhile, 43% identified data centers as the main culprit, and 40% cited grid updates and expansion.
The scoreboard: Three-quarters of respondents told Pew their home energy costs have gone up in recent years, including 42% who claimed they’ve gone up a lot (a sentiment most common among Northeasterners).
Why it matters: Utilities link higher bills to grid upgrades, weather, demand growth, and infrastructure costs. But more often than not, it appears that consumers’ eyes are fixed on the boardroom.