Energy cost burdens on American families

Amid debates on our nation’s energy future, our latest study illustrates that costs to American consumers cannot be overlooked. According to the report, energy costs will continue to take up a growing percentage of household budgets, particularly for low and fixed-income families.

Energy Costs as Percentage of Annual After-Tax Income
2001, 2005, and 2010

Source: U.S. Department of Energy; U.S. Bureau of the Census

Among the conclusions:

• Families are spending 20 percent or more of their total household income to cover energy-related expenditures.

• U.S. households making between $10,000 and $30,000 annually will devote more than twice the national average of their after-tax income to energy costs in 2010.

• Lower-income families are more vulnerable to energy cost increases than higher-income families because energy represents a larger portion of their household budgets.

• Household expenditures for gasoline have more than doubled in the past decade.

• Among consumer energy products, electricity has maintained relatively low annual rates since 2001.

But across the board costs are rising, and it’s clear that access to affordable, reliable energy is more important than ever for America’s families.

View the results of the study here.

Or view the results by state below:

• Arizona
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Iowa
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• New Mexico
• Ohio
• Pennsylvania
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Virginia
• Washington

Note: The study, which relies on data from the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Bureau of the Census, was conducted by Gene Trisko, an environmental attorney and energy economist who represents labor and industry clients. He previously served as an attorney in the Bureau of Consumer Protection of the U.S. Federal Trade Commission.