Survey Finds One-Fifth Cut Groceries Over Power Bills

A Consumer Reports survey found that about one in five Americans have cut grocery spending or considered buying cheaper food to afford rising electricity bills, while roughly one in four have reduced or considered reducing heating or air conditioning to uncomfortable levels. Among people who had lived in the same home for at least three years, about 80% said their electricity bills had risen, and nearly three-quarters of those reporting increases said the costs strained their household finances. The burden is especially acute for lower-income households and people on fixed incomes, while many consumers also cut back on dining out and travel. Respondents commonly blamed utility company profits and rising demand from data centers, and Consumer Reports says many households are struggling to manage costs they feel they cannot control.