As temperatures continue to drop across the region, many households are bracing for higher electricity bills. Energy costs are rising at a pace that far exceeds most other household expenses, according to recent data from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA). While consumers cannot avoid all of these increases, there are several practical steps homeowners can take to reduce energy consumption and limit the financial impact.
NEADA reports that electricity prices have surged significantly throughout the D.C. region. In Washington, D.C., rates have jumped by 23.2%. Maryland has seen an 8.8% increase, and Virginia’s rates have risen by 14%. These spikes are reflected in monthly utility bills, with Maryland and Virginia residents experiencing average increases of about 12%. In the District, monthly electric bills have climbed by 26%, bringing the average household cost to roughly $143 per month.
The association attributes these rising costs to several issues, including elevated natural gas prices, increasingly strained and aging electrical infrastructure, and growing demand fueled by the expanding data center industry. As a result, NEADA estimates that one out of every six households in the United States is currently behind on utility payments. Prince George’s County Councilmember Wala Blegay noted that the rising bills have forced some residents into payment plans just to keep up.
Homeowners looking to reduce their energy costs can take several immediate actions:
• Lowering the thermostat by two to three degrees can produce significant savings, especially with winter heating costs expected to rise by an estimated 7.6% overall—and by 10% for homes heated electrically.
• Sealing leaks around windows and doors can also make a major difference. Older rowhouses in D.C. and garden-style apartments in Maryland and Virginia often lose substantial heat, and weather-stripping alone can reduce winter usage by 10–20%.
• Replacing HVAC filters monthly ensures systems run efficiently. Clogged filters force heating units to work harder, unintentionally increasing energy costs.
Residents in the region also have access to multiple forms of financial assistance.
In Washington, D.C., the Department of Energy and Environment is accepting new applications for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Eligible households may receive a one-time benefit ranging from $200 to $1,800 depending on income, household size, heating method, and housing type. The District also offers emergency utility assistance for households facing disconnection or for residents over age 55 with low heating fuel reserves.
Maryland provides income-based energy support programs as well, and unlike some jurisdictions, households do not need to have received a shutoff notice to qualify.
Virginia assists low-income families through its Energy Assistance Program, which includes fuel, crisis, cooling, and weatherization assistance. Applicants must have a heating or cooling expense and meet income thresholds that do not exceed 150% of the federal poverty level. Applications can be submitted by mail, fax, or in person at local social services offices.
As electricity prices continue to climb, regional leaders and support programs emphasize the importance of both energy-saving practices and awareness of available assistance to help households manage the rising costs.
That application is here.
