After Hearing from 800+ Virginians, Vindman Continues Call for Lower Utility Costs

Washington, D.C. - Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07) today renewed his call to bring down utility costs for working families after hearing from more than 800 Virginians through a district-wide survey who say they are feeling the effects of rising utility bills. The survey invited constituents to share their personal experiences with rising utility bills and the impact on their households.

"As utility bills continue to rise, too many Virginians are being forced to choose between keeping the lights on and putting food on the table," said Vindman. "Families across the Commonwealth are feeling the strain of higher energy costs, driven by Republicans' failed economic policies. As a founding member of the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus, I'm committed to advancing legislative solutions that address the growing energy affordability crisis and deliver relief for working families."

BACKGROUND

Vindman has been a champion for lowering utility bills in Congress and making life better for working families.

Vindman introduced two pieces of legislation that would lower costs for families and hold utility companies accountable. The Home Energy Affordability Act would help protect consumers from repeated utility rate hikes by limiting electric utilities to one rate change request every 365 days. The Utility Hikes Transparency Act would create the first comprehensive, machine-readable federal database of retail utility rate changes in the United States.

Vindman also was joined by 14 lawmakers in launching the Congressional Lowering Utility Bills Caucus to find legislative solutions to the ongoing energy affordability crisis in Virginia and around the country. The caucus will convene House Members around oversight strategies and tools to hold utility companies accountable for skyrocketing rates.

Below are recent constituent stories submitted by Virginia's Seventh District residents who took the survey:

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"I am a Senior Citizen whose only income is Social Security. My electric has increased $50.00. I have had to cut back on some of my medications to make up the difference." - Dorothy, Caroline

"I'm a single mom and a federal employee. Any unexpected expense is a major stressor." -

Stephanie, Prince William

"My electric bill doubled this month. I have other bills that I also have to pay, so now I am behind on all payments." - Jewel, Stafford

"Utility bills have nearly doubled for me. I am a single parent, a former Marine, and I just retired after 25 years of service to the Federal Government. If prices continue to go up, I will have to go back to work and will likely be working into my 70s." - Sheila, Prince William

"I am a disabled senior citizen living in Social Security. I have to choose between food and electric. My bill has doubled in the past month." - Jean, Culpeper

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