Key takeaways
- 34 million households reported energy insecurity in 2020.
- The RECS definition includes bill difficulty and unsafe indoor temperatures.
- Utility records should distinguish payment issues from equipment failures.
Source record
2 cited sources
Last verified
2026-08-09
In this article
Quick Overview
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported that 34 million households, or 27 percent of U.S. households, reported at least one form of energy insecurity in the 2020 Residential Energy Consumption Survey. The survey collected responses from 18,496 households.
What the statistic measures
EIA counted difficulty paying an energy bill, a disconnection notice, reduced basic necessities, an unsafe indoor temperature caused by energy cost, or an inability to repair heating or cooling equipment because of cost. The measure describes households, not a property's utility ledger.
Rental operations application
Use a utility billing exception review to separate a meter or account anomaly from an occupant payment issue. For properties with owner-paid utilities, compare bills with the utility billing anomaly review and record season, occupancy, and equipment status before escalating.
Common Mistakes
Do not label a high bill as energy insecurity without evidence from the household or a documented account event. Do not use a 2020 national survey as a current property forecast.
Common Questions Answered
Does energy insecurity mean a shutoff occurred?
No. EIA's measure includes several conditions, and a reported difficulty paying does not prove a shutoff.
Should owners use the statistic to set a utility allowance?
No. Use current local bills, property characteristics, and the governing program or lease rules.
Source and limits
The EIA energy insecurity release is the source for the 2020 estimates. RECS is a survey of primary residences, and the release is not a 2026 estimate.
Ready to apply the research?
Keep utility exceptions dated, classified, and connected to the next responsible handoff.