1 in 5 households have cut back on groceries because of energy bills, according to a new Consumer Reports survey.

There’s a reason Americans have cited energy costs as one of the biggest issues on their minds during this year’s elections: A new survey by Consumer Reports found that, among Americans who’ve lived in the same home for more than three years, the vast majority are paying more for energy now than three years ago — and it’s affecting their budgets.

Three out of four surveyed families reported that the utility rate increases have resulted in strained household finances. Over a quarter of these US customers said their bills rose by 20 to 49%, while 6% of respondents reported rate hikes of over 50% in the past three years. Electricity rates have risen dramatically in recent years.

One in four families chose to adjust the thermostat to uncomfortable levels in the summer and winter. Other folks are choosing to cut back on non-essential spending, like eating out and traveling. In the most dire cases, Americans are choosing to slash grocery budgets. About 20% of people surveyed told Consumer Reports that they’re buying less food or are switching to less expensive options.

The two largest factors that ratepayers attributed their increased electricity bills to are utility company profits and AI infrastructure. As data centers continue to proliferate across the country, over 75% of people surveyed said they don’t trust their state lawmakers to protect them against rate increases.

Across the political spectrum , the vast majority of US voters oppose AI data center construction in their backyard.

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