Arkansas: Summer 2026 electric bills could be higher than summer 2025
A new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) is forecasting an increase in electricity bills compared to last year across the United States.The average electricity bill this summer for the United States is projected to be 8.5% higher than in 2025. When broken down by region, the largest projected increase is for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Summer 2026 electricity bills are expected to increase by 11.5% compared to summer 2025.Several factors are expected to contribute to this increase. These factors include updates to utility grids and high electrical demand from data centers. Increasingly warmer temperatures over the summer months also play a role.High electricity bills could bring additional financial pressure to people already struggling. Some people may be able to find some relief by using the LIHEAP program. LIHEAP, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, provides funds to qualifying individuals for cooling and heating costs during both the summer and winter months. LIHEAP is available in every county in Arkansas. Each county provides LIHEAP through a different community-based organizations. You can see what community-based organization serves your county on the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality website. LIHEAP applications are not currently open for the summer program. Applications will first open up in early June for elderly people, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Applications will become available for the rest of the general public in early July.
A new report from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) is forecasting an increase in electricity bills compared to last year across the United States.
The average electricity bill this summer for the United States is projected to be 8.5% higher than in 2025. When broken down by region, the largest projected increase is for Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. Summer 2026 electricity bills are expected to increase by 11.5% compared to summer 2025.
40/29 News
Several factors are expected to contribute to this increase. These factors include updates to utility grids and high electrical demand from data centers. Increasingly warmer temperatures over the summer months also play a role.
High electricity bills could bring additional financial pressure to people already struggling. Some people may be able to find some relief by using the LIHEAP program.
LIHEAP, the Low-Income Energy Assistance Program, provides funds to qualifying individuals for cooling and heating costs during both the summer and winter months. LIHEAP is available in every county in Arkansas. Each county provides LIHEAP through a different community-based organizations. You can see what community-based organization serves your county on the Arkansas Division of Environmental Quality website.
LIHEAP applications are not currently open for the summer program. Applications will first open up in early June for elderly people, people with disabilities, and families with young children. Applications will become available for the rest of the general public in early July.