US survey finds households cutting food spending to pay electricity bills

Around 20% of participants in a US Consumer Reports survey said they reduced grocery spending to pay for electricity, according to results reported by CBS and covered by RIA Novosti.

Around a quarter limited heating or air conditioning enough to make their homes uncomfortable. Respondents also switched to cheaper food, reduced restaurant visits and gave up holidays.

Among those who had lived in the same home for at least three years, roughly 80% reported higher bills. A 20–49% increase was reported by 28%. Federal figures cited by CBS show electricity prices in major US cities rose 14% over three years.

More than 2 thousand US adults participated. Respondents identified utility companies seeking higher profits and data centre construction as explanations for rising bills.