Millions of Families Forced to Choose between Energy and Other Necessities Including Food, Housing and Health
PR Newswire, Washington, D.C., June 16, 2015 – The American Coalition for Clean Coal Electricity today released a new report “Energy Cost Impacts on Families” that details the plight of American households who are significantly harmed by rising energy costs.
The study finds that on average nearly half of America’s households are bringing home $1,900 a month, less than $23,000 annually, and spending 17 percent of those hard-earned dollars on energy. Low and fixed income families, including minorities and senior citizens, are among the most vulnerable to energy price increases and frequently must make tough choices about what to do to meet energy costs.
“No one should go without food or medication to keep the lights on but that’s exactly what is taking place in millions of households across America,” said Mike Duncan, president and CEO of ACCCE. “Regulations like EPA’s calamitous Clean Power Plan will only exacerbate the economic struggles families face, making it all that much harder to keep a roof over their heads and food on the table. This administration should put Americans ahead of its politically charged agenda and immediately take action to ensure vulnerable families are not harmed further by these reckless regulations.”
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ACCCE’s study includes results from a 2011 survey by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association that reveals the harm that high energy costs are having low-income families including:
- 24 percent went without food for at least one day
- 37 percent went without medical or dental care
- 34 percent did not fill a prescription or took less than the full dose
- 33 percent used their kitchen stove or oven to provide heat
- 19 percent had someone become sick because their home was too cold
- 6 percent were evicted from their home or apartment
“While the White House spends millions to live comfortably, millions of Americans are counting every penny to feed their family while keeping the lights on. As our fragile economy continues to recover, the president and other policymakers must consider the struggles of households across the country and find ways to reduce Americans’ energy bills. One way is to support the continued development and use of low-cost, abundant energy resources – like coal – available right here at home,” Duncan said.
To understand how everyday American’s household budgets and energy costs stack up against the White House’s, ACCCE created a video and infographic. Watch the video. Explore the infographic. Learn the truth about how American’s energy costs stack up against the White House’s.
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Contact:
Laura Sheehan
(202) 459-4867
[email protected]
@Laura_A_Sheehan