Utility Bills
Coverage of Utility Bills in the Nexus archive.
- South Africa: Sold Your Joburg Home? Why Utility Bills May Still Arrive Months Later
The City of Johannesburg may continue billing homeowners for utility services even after selling their property. The article advises against paying these bills and outlines steps to resolve the account.
- Steve Hilton courts ‘abandoned’ Latino voters with promise to restore the California dream
Steve Hilton is targeting Latino voters in California by promising to reform public schools, eliminate the annual $800 small-business tax, and reduce utility bills by half. He frames these proposals as a way to restore the 'California dream' for the community.
- Trump expands a voluntary pledge to protect consumers from high utility bills from AI data centers
President Donald Trump expanded a voluntary pledge with governors and electricity companies to address concerns about rising utility bills from AI data centers. The initiative, initially announced in March, aims to prevent higher electricity costs for consumers amid bipartisan opposition over environmental impact and affordability. Trump claimed electricity prices would drop due to a surplus, though experts warn demand could increase bills by 15% to 40% by 2030.
- Hochul halts new data center approvals via executive order
New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an executive order halting approvals for new data centers until July 2027 to prevent increased utility bills and water resource depletion.
- Consumers turn to buy now, pay later for essential expenses — with growing risks
Consumers are increasingly using buy now, pay later (BNPL) services for essential expenses such as groceries, rent, and utility bills. However, a rise in late payments among BNPL users highlights growing financial risks associated with this payment method.
- City of Austin proposes $6.6 billion budget
Austin City Manager T.C. Broadnax has proposed a $6.6 billion budget for fiscal year 2026-27 that increases spending on public safety, homelessness services, housing and parks while raising the city's property tax rate and utility bills.
- Report shows data centers driving up electricity costs for Tennessee residents
A report by Think Tennessee reveals that data centers in Tennessee are increasing electricity demand, leading to higher utility bills for residents.
- Hochul swipes back at Blakeman blaming her for rising NY costs – as new poll hints gov’s race is tightening
Hochul responded to a Blakeman campaign mailer that blamed her and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for 'sky high taxes, rising utility bills and out of control crime,' calling the claims 'pure fantasy.' A new poll suggests the governor's race is tightening.
- Expert: Rent reporting could boost your credit score by up to 150 points
WalletHub's rent reporting service allows renters to have their payments reported to TransUnion, potentially boosting credit scores by up to 150 points. Only 13% of renters currently have their payments reported, and utility bill reporting is also available through some services.
- Expert: Rent reporting could boost your credit score by up to 150 points
WalletHub offers a rent reporting service that adds positive credit information by syncing checking accounts, with research indicating it can boost credit scores by up to 150 points. Only 13% of renters currently have their payments reported, and utility bills can also contribute to credit scores through similar services.
- Utility meltdown as Californians face water and power price hikes
Californians are facing rising utility bills due to increased power rates and a worsening water crisis. The combination of soaring power costs and deepening water shortages is creating a financial burden on residents.
- Keeping up with essential bills can be overwhelming—Here are resources to help manage monthly costs
The article outlines resources to help manage essential monthly bills like electricity, water, and gas through programs such as LIHEAP, Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency, and Metro Nashville's Weatherization Assistance Program. These initiatives offer financial aid and energy efficiency upgrades for low-income households. Nonprofits like The Salvation Army and Catholic Charities of Tennessee also provide emergency utility and rent assistance.
- Michigan set an affordability goal for utility bills. For some Detroiters, help can’t come soon enough
Michigan regulators are rethinking energy assistance as utility bills become unaffordable for some Detroit residents, who face high costs and shut-offs. The state has set an affordability goal for utility bills, but immediate help is urgently needed.
- Rooftop solar is in for a tough few years in the US
Rooftop solar in the US is facing challenges despite decreasing solar panel costs and rising utility bills, primarily due to the Trump administration's revocation of federal tax incentives.
- Americans are spending $800 just to cool their homes. We are at a breaking point | Mark Wolfe
Americans are spending $800 to cool homes this summer, a 40% increase since 2020, while 60% live paycheck to paycheck and $1.2tn in credit card debt is outstanding. The stock market has doubled since 2020, benefiting asset holders, but utility bill struggles affect one in six households.
- BBB: Inflation fatigue, how consumers are adapting
The BBB highlights inflation fatigue as consumers face rising costs in groceries, utility bills, and insurance. The article notes economic shifts leading to increased expenses across essential goods and services.
- Up to $200: NY will send out rebate checks to help pay utility bills
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced a $200 utility rebate for up to 8.5 million families earning less than $150,000 under the POWER program. The initiative aims to alleviate rising heating and cooling costs, with checks mailed between September and December. Recipients include joint filers up to $150,000 income and individual filers up to $150,000.
- Utility bills are likely to be higher this summer. Here’s what you can do
Summer temperatures are expected to rise, leading to higher home cooling costs. Proactive measures can help manage these increased utility bills.
- Summer electric bills sizzle as the cost of cooling climbs
Rising electricity prices and hotter-than-usual weather are driving up summer utility bills, making it more expensive for people to stay cool. The combination of increased demand for cooling and higher energy costs is creating a financial burden for consumers.
- Trump to review Iran peace plan amid pressure to end war as Americans are warned that eye-watering leap in bills is coming
Trump is reviewing a peace plan with Iran amid pressure to end the ongoing war, while Americans face warnings of a significant rise in utility bills. The situation highlights both geopolitical tensions and economic concerns.
- Democrats use White House ballroom push to slam GOP on affordability
Democrats criticized the GOP for hosting a White House ballroom event following the White House Correspondents dinner shooting, calling it out of touch with Americans struggling with affordability. Rep. Sarah McBride highlighted her constituents' inability to afford basic expenses like groceries and utilities.
- Democrat on Trump’s ballroom: ‘My constituents can’t afford f—ing groceries or utility bills’
Rep. Sarah McBride (D-Del.) criticized efforts to fund President Trump’s White House ballroom, arguing that her constituents in Delaware and across the U.S. are struggling with unaffordable groceries and utility bills. She questioned the priority of spending taxpayer money on a ballroom while basic needs remain unmet.
- Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?
Democratic-led states are targeting energy-efficiency programs to provide relief on soaring utility bills, despite the programs' usual support among Democrats and their climate and energy-saving benefits.
- Maryland bill trades cost-saving energy efficiency for short-term relief
Maryland lawmakers passed a bill that reduces a surcharge funding an effective energy-efficiency program, prioritizing short-term utility bill relief over long-term cost-saving measures. The decision shifts focus from energy efficiency to immediate financial relief for residents.