By Trendsetter Tribune 
Electricity bills soar under Trump’s presidency, missing campaign pledge to cut costs in half. Analysis examines causes, regional impacts, and political consequences.
President Donald Trump has missed a major campaign promise to halve U.S. household energy bills within his first year in office. Instead, Americans are experiencing rising electricity and gas costs, with many households forced to make difficult financial sacrifices.
According to a recent analysis of Energy Information Administration (EIA) data, the average U.S. household spent nearly $116 more on electricity in 2025 than in the previous year—a 6.7% increase. For many, the impact has been severe, with some regions seeing bills climb by more than 20%.
Background: Trump’s 2024 Energy Pledge
During the 2024 campaign, Trump repeatedly vowed to dramatically cut household energy costs. At rallies, he promised that within 12 months, American families would see their electricity bills slashed by half. These pledges, alongside promises to lower grocery prices and reduce immigration, were central to his election message.
However, the administration’s energy policies have focused on expanding fossil fuel production, reviving coal plants, and curbing renewable energy projects—moves experts say are largely incompatible with the goal of lowering household electricity costs.
What Happened: Regional and Household Impacts
The EIA data shows significant variation across the country:
- Washington D.C.: 23% increase in electricity costs
- Indiana: 17% increase
- Illinois: 15% increase
The Midwest has been particularly affected, with utility costs rising alongside an average 4.9% increase in the unit cost of electricity. Gas prices have also jumped by 5.2%, compounding household financial stress.
Many Americans have faced utility disconnections due to unpaid bills. In New York, for instance, disconnections quintupled over the past year, forcing families to make trade-offs between essential expenses and keeping the lights on.
Analysis: Why Energy Bills Are Rising
Several factors have contributed to rising energy costs under Trump:
- Increased energy demand: The administration’s promotion of AI technology has spiked electricity usage for the first time in decades.
- Blocked renewable energy projects: Offshore wind farms and other clean energy initiatives have been halted or delayed, limiting additional electricity supply.
- Fossil fuel expansion: New oil and gas drilling, coal plant restarts, and exports of liquefied natural gas have raised domestic costs.
- Infrastructure gaps: Transmission and distribution systems have not kept pace with growing demand, driving up prices.
Experts note that these dynamics, combined with environmental policy rollbacks, make it virtually impossible to meet the campaign promise of halving energy bills.
Real-Life Impacts: Families Feeling the Pressure
Many households are struggling to cope with rising costs. For example:
- Angie Shaneyfelt, 52, of Baltimore saw her electricity bill jump from under $300 in December 2024 to $400 in late 2025, prompting her to consider taking a second job.
- Families across the U.S. have reported cutting back on daily essentials and limiting heating or cooling to manage bills, especially during colder winters.
Federal assistance programs have also been reduced, with tax credits for energy efficiency eliminated and low-income support under threat. Over six million households that rely on these programs could see further financial strain.
Political and Economic Implications
Trump’s failure to meet his energy bill pledge may have political consequences, especially ahead of the midterm elections. Democrats argue that rising household costs will dominate voter concerns, potentially affecting Republican performance in key races.
Meanwhile, the administration continues to highlight successes in other areas, such as gasoline prices, which fell 6% on average due to global oil market trends. Trump has also urged technology companies to shoulder some energy costs related to datacenters, framing AI as a driver of national economic growth.
Conclusion: Energy Costs as a National Concern
While the Trump administration emphasizes economic achievements, the reality for many Americans is sharply rising household energy bills. Policy choices, from fossil fuel expansion to renewable energy rollbacks, have created a situation where campaign promises clash with market realities.
As energy costs continue to rise, the impact on families and political sentiment remains significant. Analysts warn that unless corrective measures are taken, electricity affordability could remain a major issue for U.S. households nationwide.