Many Americans Say Tariffs Are Hurting, Not Helping, US Energy Independence

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As energy prices continue to pinch household budgets, new research reveals a surprising consensus among Americans: Tariffs may be doing more harm than good when it comes to US energy independence.

A nationally representative survey conducted by Payless Power found that a majority of Americans believe trade policies (especially those that increase costs on imported energy materials) are undermining domestic energy efforts. From regional divides to generational differences, see how tariffs are shaping public perception and political preferences.

Key Takeaways

• 3 in 10 Americans have noticed higher electricity prices that they attribute to tariffs.
• A strong majority (80%) would support removing tariffs if it meant lower utility bills.
• 56% say they’d be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports lifting energy tariffs.
• 63% say the US is not energy independent, and 55% believe tariffs are making it worse.

Tariffs and Energy Prices: What Americans Are Seeing and Feeling

• More than half of Americans (54%) believe tariffs are increasing gas prices.
• 3 in 10 have noticed higher electricity prices they attribute to tariffs.
• A strong majority of Americans (80%) would support removing tariffs if it meant their utility bills would go down.

Energy Independence and National Sentiment

• Most Americans See Tariffs as a Threat to US Energy Security:
  • 65% say tariffs are hurting the energy industry in their own state.
  • 63% say the US is not energy independent.
  • 55% believe tariffs are hurting energy independence; Democrats (70%) are more than twice as likely as Republicans (30%) to think so.
  • Only 15% say tariffs help US energy independence.
  • Even in Texas, a major energy state, just 7% say tariffs help.

• 56% say they’d be more likely to vote for a candidate who supports lifting energy tariffs. Gen Z would be the most likely to vote for a candidate who supports lifting tariffs (69%), followed by millennials (58%).

Methodology

We surveyed 1,000 Americans to understand their views on tariffs and energy-related prices. Respondents included 57% millennials, 8% Gen Z, 28% Gen X, and 8% baby boomers. Political affiliations were 46% Democrat, 23% Republican, 27% Independent, and 4% other. Only states with 70 or more respondents were represented in state-specific data. Due to rounding, percentages in this study may not total exactly 100%.

About Payless Power

Payless Power provides affordable prepaid electricity plans to Texas residents with no deposit, no credit check, and same-day connection. By helping customers reduce their monthly electricity costs and offering flexible options, Payless Power supports Texans navigating rising energy prices and policy shifts.

Fair Use Statement

If you’d like to share or reference these insights, you’re welcome to do so for noncommercial purposes. Just be sure to link back to Payless Power and provide proper credit.

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