West Virginia residents are confronting electricity bills that surpass their mortgage payments, despite President Donald Trump's campaign promise to cut Americans' electricity costs in half during his first year to 18 months in office. The state's heavy reliance on coal-fired power plants and resistance to cheaper energy sources has contributed to some of the nation's fastest-rising utility rates.

Rebecca Michalski of Rainelle received a February electric bill of $940.08 for heating her small house, exceeding her monthly income. Despite conserving energy by turning off lights during the day and using only one energy-efficient bulb at night, she has accumulated thousands of dollars in unpaid utility charges. Similar cases have prompted thousands of West Virginians to share screenshots of high bills on social media platforms.

Nationwide electricity costs increased 4.8% in February compared to the previous year, while natural gas prices rose 10.9%, according to the Labor Department's Consumer Price Index. These increases occurred before recent conflicts involving Iran further elevated energy costs. An AP-NORC poll from March found 35% of U.S. adults were extremely or very concerned about affording electricity in coming months.

West Virginia generates approximately 87% of its electricity from aging coal-fired plants, making it an outlier compared to other states that have adopted cleaner and often less expensive energy sources like natural gas, nuclear power, wind, and solar. The state's average household electricity rate per kilowatt-hour has increased 73% from 2015 to 2025, according to the West Virginia Public Service Commission.

The state's median inflation-adjusted household income was lower in 2023 than in 1970, making it the only place in the country with this distinction, according to the Urban Institute. This means residents dedicate larger portions of their paychecks to utilities compared to people in other states, even where monthly bills may be higher in absolute terms.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said lowering electricity prices remains a top priority for Trump, who has blamed former President Joe Biden for current energy costs. The administration has pushed to keep unprofitable coal plants operational, rolled back pollution standards, and provided funding for plant improvements. However, coal mines continue closing in West Virginia, with several operations eliminating more than 700 jobs this year.