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Rising Energy Costs Weigh Heaviest on Black Households

August 22, 2025

A national study from Binghamton University and California State University, San Bernardino reveals that Black households spend a significantly higher percentage of their income on energy costs compared to white households, even at the same income levels. Researchers found that households in majority African American census tracts spend an average of 5. 1% of income on energy bills versus the national average of 3.

Who is affected

  • African American households and families
  • Residents of majority Black census tracts
  • Low-income households, particularly SNAP-eligible households
  • Renters in older, less energy-efficient housing
  • Nearly 12,000 Pepco customers who lost service in 2024
  • Residents of formerly redlined neighborhoods
  • Households spending 10% or more of income on energy (classified as "unmanageable")
  • More than 12 million U.S. households reporting unsafe home temperatures

What action is being taken

  • Researchers from Binghamton University and California State University are studying energy burden disparities across racial lines
  • The Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) is analyzing energy burden data in Washington D.C.
  • Pepco is implementing consecutive annual rate hikes in Washington D.C.
  • Washington Gas is seeking a 12% rate increase and pushing a pipeline replacement project called "District SAFE"

Why it matters

  • Energy costs create a crushing financial burden for many African American families
  • High energy burdens force families to cut back on essential needs like food and medicine
  • The health effects are severe, increasing risks of asthma, depression, poor sleep, pneumonia, and premature death
  • The disparities reveal ongoing systemic inequities not explained by income differences alone
  • African Americans are disproportionately exposed to housing and environmental conditions that amplify health risks
  • These inequities are rooted in historical practices like redlining that continue to disadvantage Black communities today
  • Current utility rate increases are exacerbating already difficult situations for vulnerable households

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Rising Energy Costs Weigh Heaviest on Black Households