Bracing for the Heat: Households Prepare for Soaring Utility Bills
- As the temperature rises, so do concerns over summer energy bills, with 67% of households expecting further increases and 71% worried about covering the costs.
- To cope, 61% have already started saving, while 42% plan to rely on credit cards and loans to pay their bills.
- To reduce their energy usage, 88% have turned down their thermostats, 39% are relying on natural ventilation, and 24% are spending more time in the office.
- Likewise, with nearly two million households facing energy poverty, 18% admit they’ve cut back their spending on essentials such as groceries.
With the sun finally breaking through, many households are still stuck under a cloud of gloom.
Global energy prices have dipped in recent years, according to Statista, and are tipped to fall further – sparking hope that utility costs will follow. Yet, in the post-COVID world where high costs and volatile prices are the new norm, and with geopolitical tensions fanning fresh fears of economic impact, nothing is guaranteed.
With many households feeling the heat, Gamblizard quizzed 2,000 adults on how they plan to cover their summer bills – and avoid burning through their savings.
Forecasts and finances: Are people bracing for a summer price surge?
Despite the positive signs, people have seen their energy costs rise faster than wages and outpace inflation for decades. Having grown used to global catastrophes and rising tensions, 67% expect their household energy bills to soar again this summer.
As the days get longer, the air conditioner works overtime, and the numbers on the smart meter continue to climb, for many, the real heat isn’t outside – but in the post. An alarming 71% of households say they’re worried about summer energy costs, with 18% extremely concerned about the financial forecast.
Going green (for a good price): Attitudes towards renewable energy
With the climate shifting faster than ever, the costs of keeping cool are only climbing. Green energy could offer an environmental and economic lifeline, but budgets hold households back from investing in the future, with 65% unwilling to pay more to switch to renewable sources.
Budgeting or bank loans? How families plan to beat the heat
Many didn’t wait for the sun to show up to get serious about saving for summer, but they’re not budgeting for beach trips or BBQs. Expecting their future energy bills to burn a hole in their pocket, 61% say they’ve already started setting money aside to keep the lights (and AC) switched on.
It isn’t just temperatures and energy costs rising. It’s rent, groceries, and everyday essentials. Everything costs a fortune, and not everyone has savings to shield themselves. For some, staying cool comes at a cost they can’t afford, with 42% admitting they will rely on credit cards and loans to get by.
Sweat and save: How are people keeping their energy costs down?
To avoid scorching their finances, 88% have turned down their thermostats, and 39% have switched to using fans and natural ventilation, throwing open the windows instead of switching on the AC.
Others have taken a more creative approach, with 24% clocking extra hours at the office, where the air conditioning is free and the overtime helps towards their home energy bills.
More than a billion households are living in energy poverty globally, forced to cut back or go without power so drastically that it puts their health and well-being at risk.
And while not everyone is unplugging their appliances, many are making sacrifices elsewhere: 18% have slashed their spending on groceries and essentials, while 57% have put entertainment on ice until energy costs cool.
After enduring hot summers and harsh winters, many are considering the ultimate energy-saving move: seeking solace in a less volatile climate (and energy market). Some 5% say they’re ready to pack up and set out in search of lower bills, while another 14% would consider it to escape the financial heat.
People are getting creative to stay cool and cope with the costs, but with no sign of real relief on the horizon, they face another summer not struggling with the sunshine but sweating over bills.
Methodology: The data in this report derives from a survey conducted by Gamblizard. The survey was launched in May 2025. In total, 2,700 adults were surveyed, including 2,000 from the US and 700 from Canada. All respondents took the full survey. All genders, ethnicities, and age groups over 18 years old were included in the study.
