A recent report from WalletHub has ranked Mississippi as the 6th cheapest state in the U.S. for monthly energy costs, with low natural gas and heating oil usage among residents contributing to the low ranking. Despite this, gas and electricity prices quickly add up, with the average monthly cost for residents totaling $457. Nationally, families spend at least $2,000 per year on utilities, with heating and cooling accounting for more than half of the average bill.
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reported a 2% increase in residential electricity bills each month compared to 2022. However, this growth rate was slower than the overall inflation rate. While four of the ten least expensive states for energy are in the South, Mississippi still faces challenges due to high poverty rates. With 19.1% of residents living in poverty, many individuals may struggle to pay for air conditioning and stay cool during the summer months.
Mississippi’s low median household income of $52,985–the lowest in the country–also contributes to challenges in paying energy bills. Despite these obstacles, residents can visit energysavers.gov for tips on lowering energy costs and calculating fuel consumption among different vehicles. Ultimately, while Mississippi ranks favorably in terms of energy costs compared to other states, the reality of financial constraints means that staying cool during the summer can still be a challenge for many residents.
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