Marketplace All-in-One Energy bill burdens grow
Jan 29, 2026
Megan Robinson, freelance journalist, talks about low-balling salary offers and Gen Z job-market pressures. Alex Olgin, reporter, covers membership primary care and a new HSA rule. Cecilia Kang, NYT tech reporter, discusses lawsuits claiming social platforms are designed to addict youth. Daniel Ackerman, Marketplace reporter, explains how AI data centers boost demand for power-generation equipment.
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Why Your Energy Bills Are Rising
- U.S. electricity and natural gas bills rose about 40% over five years due to aging grids, underinvestment, and rising demand.
- Power infrastructure upgrades plus higher natural gas prices explain most of the increase, not just AI data centers.
Local Resident's Rising Bills
- Bali in Little Rock reports utility bills rising hundreds of dollars over recent years and worries about approved rate hikes.
- He blames regulatory approvals and calls it “a lot of corporate welfare.”
Demand Surge Is Driving Power Costs
- Power demand growth climbed from ~0.5% to 1.5% yearly and could reach 2.5% with new loads.
- Population growth, reshoring, electrification, and data centers are all increasing electricity demand.