62% of US Adults Are Stretching Their Budgets to Pay Winter Energy Bills, CNET Survey Finds
Dashia Milden
7 min read
Getty Image/ Zooey Liao/ CNET
January energy bills are hitting the mail, and the amount you owe may surprise you. Colder temperatures nationwide have been pushing up average energy bill costs, which can be a shock to your wallet.
An exclusive CNET survey found that six in 10 (62%) of US adults expect their winter energy bill will put a squeeze on their finances. Currently, 11% of US adults (which breaks down to approximately 28 million Americans) are already behind on their energy bills. By the numbers, most households expect to pay $688 on energy bills over the winter months (December through February), with households in the northeast expecting to pay an average of $804 for the season.
That's not surprising to Wael Kanj, a senior research associate for Rewiring America. Kanj has been paying close attention to household energy costs, and he's noticed a 30% increase over the past four years.
"Winter energy costs could be a burden for households, especially depending on where they live," Kanj said.
If you're struggling to afford your energy bill, there are steps you can take to lower your costs without sacrificing your comfort.
Here's a breakdown on how much people expect to pay this winter, expert cost-saving solutions and resources to get help if you're struggling to pay high energy bills.
Average winter energy bill costs
Last summer, the US Energy Information Administration found that US adults paid an average of $135 per month among the top 10 states with the highest electricity bills. Winter energy costs are driving up monthly bills even more.
Depending on where you live, costs could exceed this amount. Residents in the northeast expect to pay close to $288 on average. Those living in the southern part of the US anticipate the lowest energy bills, at nearly $220 per month.
How this winter's energy bills are affecting US adults' finances
Approximately 62% of US adults expect this winter's energy bills to strain their finances. Here's a breakdown of how they plan to afford their energy bills:
Kanj said the bulk of your energy bill isn't from running your appliances or lights -- it's how much it's going to cost to heat your home. It's also how you're heating your home -- such as the appliances and fuel you're using.
Your area's climate can also impact your thermostat temperature and how often you run your furnace. Even though the weather is out of your control, there are steps you can take to lower your energy costs.
How US adults are planning to lower energy costs
Most of the energy-saving efforts below can help lower your bill, but only to a certain extent depending on your home's appliances and weatherization. There's also a chance that you'll need to make other long-term efforts to lower your bill. Here's a breakdown of how US adults are staying warm while hoping to keep their energy costs down.
Some of these measures can help you lower your energy bill, while others aren't as effective, Kanj said. For example, using a smart thermostat and lowering your home's temperature while you're away can conserve energy and save your money. However, Reed said that you may still save significantly on your energy bill if you're able to run a lower temperature in the winter, even for a few hours a day while you're at work.
"In the winter, the best way to keep your heating bill down is to keep your thermostat at 70 degrees or lower," Reed said.
You shouldn't lower your thermostat to an uncomfortable or unsafe point, however, warned Kanj.
"There's a limit to how low you should set your thermostat in the winter. You want to make sure your home is still warm enough that your water pipes won't freeze, creating a huge headache and costly repairs, or that you'll be too cold for comfort," Reed said. "Most thermostats won't go much lower than 60. Keep in mind that no amount of energy savings is worth sacrificing your health, comfort or safety."
Space heaters are typically heated with electric resistance, and can heat a small space -- like one room in your home without driving up your energy bill. "If you only need to keep part of your home warmer at one time, consider using a space heater while keeping your main thermostat setting lower," Reed said.
Space heaters are a great way to warm one part of your home, as long as you use them safely. However, if you use multiple space heaters, you could end up increasing your electric bill, Kanj said.
Outside of lowering your thermostat and using a space heater, Kanj recommends insulating and weatherizing your home to keep heat inside and prevent cold air from leaking in to make the biggest impact on your energy bill. Check how well-sealed your doors and windows are to prevent heat from seeping out. And make sure your attic, basement and walls.
Long-term energy-saving steps you can take
There may not seem like much you can do to drastically lower energy costs right now, but there are some steps you can take to help you save money in the future.
Long-term energy-saving steps you can take
There may not seem like much you can do to drastically lower energy costs right now, but there are some steps you can take to help you save money in the future.
Upgrade your home appliances: If your appliances aren't energy efficient, maybe it's time for an upgrade. If you're unsure if your appliance is efficient, look for the Energy Star label. These products meet government-standard efficiency requirements and could save money on your bill.
Consider a heat pump: If your furnace is nearing the end of its lifespan, Kanj recommends installing a heat pump as your heating and cooling system. A heat pump uses air and water to control your home's temperature, and the savings can add up to $1,000 annually, Kanj said.
Get a home energy audit: You can schedule a home energy audit with your utility provider. An assessor will examine your home room-by-room and review past energy bills to identify energy-saving upgrades. Energy audits can cost a few hundred dollars, but the costs can be claimed as a tax credit.
Look into community solar programs: You may have access to solar energy without installing panels on your roof. Some areas have a nearby solar power farm. You'll pay a portion of the electricity to use it, but you can save money on your monthly bill.
Some energy efficiency recommendations may seem costly, but Kanj noted that there are credits and state-level rebates to reduce upfront costs on some energy-efficient appliances. The Weatherization Assistance Program uses funding from the Department of Energy to cover energy-efficient repairs and upgrades. Rewiring America can create a personalized electrification plan to show you your estimated savings by switching to energy-saving appliances.
What to do if you can't afford your energy bill
If you can't afford to pay your energy bill, there are programs available to help. First, Kanj recommends checking to see if your utility provider offers a utility assistance program. For example, South Carolina residents who have Duke Energy may qualify for help from the Share the Light Fund to cover reconnection fees, deposits and energy bills. Your utility provider may also have payment plans and assistance depending on your eligibility.
Some energy providers also offer due date extensions, payment installment plans, and service moratoriums to prevent disconnection during the colder months. For example, Duke Energy's Electric Service Moratorium may keep service from being disconnected between Dec. 1 and March 31 for 30 days -- with an extension every 30 days -- if you meet certain criteria.
Other federal utility assistance programs can help, including the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which offers assistance covering energy bills, weatherization, and energy-related repairs and crises. Eligibility depends on the state, income and household size.
Methodology
All figures, unless otherwise stated, are from YouGov. Total sample size was 2,531 adults, of whom 1,777 pay their home energy bills. Fieldwork was undertaken between Jan. 7-9, 2025. The survey was carried out online. The figures have been weighted and are representative of all US adults (aged 18 and older).
