Electricity prices are climbing more than twice as fast as inflation

Ken Thomas and his wife Delilah have invested in energy-saving windows and insulation for their Boca Raton, Fla. home. But in the dog days of summer, their electric bill can still top $400 a month.

Electricity prices are rising more than twice as fast as overall inflation. That's especially costly during the dog days of summer when air conditioners are working hardest. In addition to hot weather, a variety of factors are causing power bills to climb, including the high cost of natural gas used to generate electricity and soaring demand from data centers.

(Image credit: Ken Thomas)