Arkansas residents saw electricity prices increase 6.5% in 2025, closely tracking a nationwide rise in utility costs that is putting added pressure on household budgets, according to a new congressional report released Tuesday.
The analysis from minority members of the Joint Economic Committee found electricity rates increased in nearly every state. On average, U.S. households paid about $110 more for electricity in 2025, a 6.4% increase compared to 2024.
Arkansas’ increase was slightly above the national average, though well below the sharpest spikes seen in other parts of the country. A dozen states recorded double-digit increases, led by New Jersey at 16.9%, Indiana at 16.3% and Illinois at 15.9%. Missouri, a neighboring state, saw an 11% increase, while Tennessee reported an 11.6% jump.
A handful of states experienced declines, including Nevada, where rates dropped 18%, along with smaller decreases in California, Hawaii and Arizona.
The report is based on monthly utility bill data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
The findings come as energy costs remain a central economic concern heading into the 2026 midterm elections. Democrats on the committee pointed to campaign promises from President Donald Trump to reduce energy prices, arguing costs have instead continued to rise.
Federal data shows most U.S. electricity is generated from natural gas, followed by nuclear power and coal, with smaller shares from wind, hydroelectric and solar sources.
At the same time, broader energy costs are also increasing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported electricity prices rose 4.8% over the past 12 months, while overall energy services increased 6.3%. Piped natural gas utility costs climbed 10.3% over that same period.
Consumers are also seeing higher prices at the gas pump. The national average for gasoline rose to nearly $3.72 per gallon this week, up from $2.93 a month ago, according to AAA, amid global supply concerns tied to tensions in the Middle East.
Overall inflation rose 2.4% year over year, continuing to run above the Federal Reserve’s target.
WebReadyTM Powered by WireReady® NSI