Fighting to Save You Money on Utilities

This year, AARP launched a national campaign to help members save money on utility bills. We want to help you take action to stop the government from letting utility companies charge you even more for your utilities.

Through this campaign AARP will challenge utility rate increases and excessive utility bill increases so consumers can keep more of the money they've earned, push for a system that ensures fair and reasonable utility rates, and work for affordable and reliable utility services.

The campaign is active in 22 states, where AARP will be actively lobbying state legislatures and regulatory commissions to enact laws and policies that accomplish the goals outlined above.   

Passing Legislation

In state capitols across the nation, we work to advance legislation that protects consumers from unfair rate increases, advances consumer protections and shields consumers from cost shifting by utility companies.

For example, in 2010, AARP New York helped pass the Energy Consumer Bill of Rights, which bars energy suppliers from using deceptive marketing tactics when selling electricity to consumers and small businesses.  

Fighting Rate Increases

AARP engages in state regulatory battles over unfair rate increases.

In 2010, AARP Florida spoke out against — and helped reduce —- utility rate increases requested by the state's largest utilities. The Florida Power & Light Co., a utility with 4 million customers, asked for a rate increase that would have brought the company an additional $1.3 billion in revenue. AARP's advocacy helped persuade the Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) to knock that increase down to $75 million, reducing customer rates by an average of almost $200 per year. Also, Progress Energy, a company with 1.6 million customers, requested a $500 million rate increase. Because of AARP's advocacy, the PSC denied that increase, saving customers an average of more than $150 per year. AARP's advocacy on these two cases saved Florida consumers more than $1.7 billion.

Fighting for Consumer Protections

AARP works to ensure consumers have reliable, affordable utility services.

In 2010, AARP Maryland advocated for — and won — a new regulation that will protect residents from electricity shutoffs during extreme temperatures. The new rule, issued by the Maryland Public Service Commission, will prohibit the disconnection of utility service during a 72-hour period after the National Weather Service issues a forecast that includes a high of 32 degrees or colder, or 95 degrees or warmer.

For more information about AARP's national campaign to hold down your utility costs, click on the state links.