Tariff Anxiety: Could Trade Policies Push Energy Bills Higher?

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Rising energy costs are a growing concern for many Americans, but could trade policies be making the problem worse? As tariffs on imported solar panels, fuel, and grid infrastructure increase, many households are feeling the financial strain. A recent study surveyed Americans to measure public perception of tariffs and their impact on electricity prices. This article explores key findings, including whether people believe tariffs are to blame, how much bills have increased, and how these rising costs are affecting household budgets.

Key Takeaways

• More than 3 in 4 Americans (77%) believe tariffs on imported energy-related products are driving up U.S. electricity costs.
• Over 1 in 2 (56%) have noticed an increase in their electricity bill in the past month, with an average rise of $50 among those affected.
• Nearly 2 in 3 (64%) are concerned that rising electricity prices will make it difficult to pay their bills.
• Roughly 4 in 5 (83%) support reducing tariffs on imported solar panels and grid infrastructure to lower electricity costs.
• More than 1 in 3 (36%) are afraid tariffs will make it difficult to pay their electricity bill.

• About 4 in 5 Gen Z (81%) and millennials (80%) believe tariffs on imported energy products drive up U.S. electricity costs, compared to 71% of Gen X and 65% of baby boomers.
• 62% of Gen X and 57% of millennials noticed an increase in their electricity bill last month, compared to 51% of Gen Z and 48% of baby boomers.
• States reporting the highest average increase in their energy bills within the last month:

• Delaware: $81
• Mississippi: $78
• Massachusetts: $75
• Louisiana: $67
• Missouri: $64

• More than 4 in 5 Gen Z (83%) and millennials (87%) support reducing tariffs on imported solar panels and grid infrastructure to lower electricity costs, compared to 79% of Gen X and 72% of baby boomers.
• Over a third of Americans (36%) are afraid tariffs will make it difficult to pay their electricity bill, including 42% of Gen Z, 37% of Gen X, 35% of millennials, and 30% of baby boomers.
• Nearly 2 in 3 Americans (64%) are extremely or moderately concerned that rising electricity prices could impact their ability to afford other essentials like groceries, gas, or rent, including 68% of Gen Z, 67% of Gen X, 65% of millennials, and 45% of baby boomers.

Methodology

We surveyed 1,005 Americans to investigate the impact of tariffs on energy-related imports and electricity bills. The average respondent age was 41. Gender distribution included 50% women and 50% men. Generationally, 9% were baby boomers, 24% were Gen X, 48% were millennials, and 18% were Gen Z.

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