Bottoming Out: Results of the State Energy Officials’ 2008 Energy Cost Survey

In June, state energy officials released the results of a 2008 Energy Cost Survey – the first national survey to quantify the impact of rising fuel costs on households of various income brackets. The findings provide valuable insight to the current energy crisis and its effect on American households.

While all income groups reported ‘downsizing’ energy usage and investing in more efficient appliances and cars, it was low-, moderate- and middle-income households who felt the pinch, compromising energy use to a degree which they felt affected their health (low-middle income), or being unable to pay their energy bills (low-moderate income).

“The bottom, in terms of energy affordability, seems to be growing,” comments Mark Wolfe, Executive Director, National Energy Assistance Director's Association (NEADA).

The silver lining is that this shift in economic stress has heightened public awareness of energy use, creating a window of opportunity for consumer empowerment. “Getting the message across is a matter of providing the right resources to citizens of all income levels via effective campaigns and public outreach,” says Gail Hendrickson, VP of Corporate Relations & Communications at the Alliance to Save Energy. “In the context of today’s economic doldrums, energy efficiency – clean, free, plentiful – can help make energy affordable for those suffering the most.”