Upstream Pressure

The Energy Squeeze

Below pre-COVID levels (3.6%), well off the 2022 energy-price shock peak of 4...

What is the current The Energy Squeeze?

ENERGY COST BURDEN (ENERGY PCE AS % OF DISPOS
3.35% ↑ Worsening
Household energy costs consume 3.4% of disposable income
One year ago
3.36% ↓ Improving
down 0.0 points since Oct 2024

U.S. household energy expenditures represent 3.35% of spending in the latest reading. The Energy Squeeze tracks household energy costs as a share of overall spending — capturing electricity, natural gas, heating oil, and motor fuel. Low-income households spend 2-3x this share and face energy insecurity: choosing between heating and eating. Source: BLS, EIA.

Household energy costs consume 3.4% of disposable income — down from the 4.7% peak in 2022

Below pre-COVID levels (3.6%), well off the 2022 energy-price shock peak of 4.70%.

Explore Further

Is this happening to you?

Have your electric or gas bills changed how you heat or cool your home?

How has The Energy Squeeze changed over time?

CSV Chart Card
The Energy Squeeze over time
The Energy Squeeze, percent
The Energy Squeeze
Historical data
Monthly · Computed (BEA via FRED: DSENEL / DSPI × 100)
Period Value YoY Change
Oct 2025 3.35% −0.0 pts
Jul 2025 3.27% −0.2 pts
Apr 2025 3.31% −0.2 pts
Jan 2025 3.47% −0.0 pts
Oct 2024 3.36% −0.3 pts
Jul 2024 3.43% −0.3 pts
Apr 2024 3.56% −0.1 pts
Jan 2024 3.49% −0.3 pts
Oct 2023 3.63% −0.5 pts
Jul 2023 3.73% −0.6 pts
Apr 2023 3.62% −1.1 pts
Jan 2023 3.83% −0.5 pts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Energy Squeeze?

The Energy Squeeze tracks household energy costs as a percentage of total spending, currently 3.35%. It captures utility bills and fuel costs as a share of the household budget.

Why does energy affordability matter?

Energy is essential and non-discretionary. Low-income households are most vulnerable to energy cost spikes, facing impossible trade-offs between heating, food, and debt payments.

Where does this data come from?

Derived from BLS Consumer Expenditure Survey and EIA energy price data.

Quick poll

Is this affecting you or your household?

Anonymous · one vote per indicator

Create a free account to save indicators to your watchlist and get weekly updates.

Create Free Account →

Discussion

Loading comments…

Free Resource
Know Your Rights
Foreclosure timelines, bankruptcy protections, and debt collector rules — state-by-state legal guides written in plain English.
Browse state guides →
Free Counseling
Talk to a HUD Counselor
HUD-approved housing counselors provide free, confidential help with mortgage problems, foreclosure prevention, and credit counseling.
Find a counselor →

Why does The Energy Squeeze matter?

The Energy Squeeze is one of 91 indicators in the American Distress Index's upstream pressure layer — the signal that predicted the 2008 crisis two years before delinquency data confirmed it.
View methodology →
🛟
If you're struggling with debt or facing foreclosure, free help is available. Find help near you · Browse the Glossary · The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provides HUD-approved housing counselors at no cost. You can also call 1-800-569-4287.