(INDIANAPOLIS) - A new analysis shows investor-owned electric utilities are posting higher profits while customers continue to see rising monthly bills.
According to Stateline, the Energy and Policy Institute reviewed financial filings from more than 100 utilities and found companies kept about 15 percent of revenue in 2024, up from roughly 13 percent in prior years.
For a household paying about $200 a month, that translates to around $30 going toward corporate profit.
The report also found regional differences. Utilities in the Southeast reported the highest profit margins, while companies in markets like the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast saw slightly lower returns.
At the same time, energy costs are climbing for consumers. Data shows about one in six households were behind on utility payments at the end of 2025, with total unpaid balances reaching $25 billion.
Winter heating costs are expected to rise about 11 percent, driven by higher energy prices and colder conditions.
The analysis recommends closer oversight by state regulators, including reviewing profit limits and tying utility earnings more closely to customer outcomes.