Households have limited control over the heating systems they depend on, with renters generally unable to replace them and homeowners on tight budgets unable to afford upgrades. Meanwhile, a military conflict with Iran that more than three in four Americans believe is not worth the financial burden it’s created continues to hurt families who are absorbing the consequences at the pump, at the grocery store, and at home.
Families who cannot afford their energy bills could see relief through government programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program if it were funded at higher levels and with expanded eligibility. Currently, the program only reaches a fraction of families in need, and the need is growing significantly. An increase in funding now would mean more families seeing relief before they have to go into debt or endure unsafe winter conditions.
Longer term, reducing America’s dependence on oil could help families save on energy costs. The International Renewable Energy Agency found that 91% of utility-scale renewable power capacity commissioned worldwide in 2024 produced electricity more cheaply than the cheapest new fossil-fuel alternative. This means the development of new clean energy sources will provide greater financial benefits to families rather than polluting, expensive, and outdated sources of energy like oil and gas.