Voters blame utilities for energy inflation

A national Pew survey (March 16–22, 2026; n=3,524) finds 75% of U.S. adults say home energy costs have risen in recent years and 64% say utilities wanting to make more money is a major reason for the increases. Respondents also identify grid upgrade costs and rising data‑center electricity use as contributing factors, with Northeastern states reporting the largest residential electricity prices. — If voters primarily blame utilities, political pressure will shape regulatory decisions, rate cases, infrastructure funding debates, and siting fights over energy‑intensive facilities like data centers.