A new national report suggests Virginians are feeling increasing stress over the cost of keeping the lights on. According to the Energy Bill Anxiety Index from Compare the Market, Virginia ranks as the 11th most anxious state in the country when it comes to energy bills.
The index analyzed three types of Google search activity across all 50 states:
- Energy awareness searches (like ways to save energy),
- Financial strain searches (budgeting, bill assistance, etc.), and
- Anxiety-related searches tied to energy costs.
Where Virginia Stands
Virginia recorded:
- 48.3 energy awareness searches per 100,000 residents
- 159.1 financial strain searches per 100,000
- 44.4 emotional anxiety–related searches per 100,000
- Total anxiety score: 39.69 out of 100
That places the Commonwealth just outside the top 10, with states like Texas, West Virginia, and Delaware topping the list for the most anxious about energy bills.
Charlottesville, Norfolk, Fredericksburg Lead the State in Concern
Compare the Market also examined online conversations over the last year to determine which cities are talking most about rising utility costs. In Virginia, Charlottesville stands out, with half of all energy bill–related posts expressing worry about rising prices.
Here’s how several Virginia cities ranked:
City% of Online Conversations Expressing Concern
Charlottesville
50%
Norfolk
46%
Fredericksburg
45%
Manassas
40%
Richmond
39%
Roanoke
33%
Regional Divide Across the U.S.
The report highlights significant differences around the country in how residents are feeling the squeeze:
- Southern states dominate the upper tier, with Texas, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida showing high levels of financial strain–related searches—suggesting affordability pressures are driving anxiety.
- Appalachian states like West Virginia and Kentucky show high emotional anxiety search rates, despite smaller populations.
- Western states—including California, Nevada, and Colorado—rank near the bottom, indicating comparatively lower anxiety even where energy costs themselves can be high. The report suggests higher incomes or better access to energy‑efficient technologies may play a role.
Expert: Small Habit Changes Can Help Cut Costs
Meredith O’Brien, Head of Energy at Compare the Market, said simple lifestyle adjustments could help households bring down their monthly bills.
“While energy bills can be a challenge to keep down, there are many ways that you can change your habits to reduce the strain on your wallet,” O’Brien said.
She recommends:
- Choosing eco‑friendly appliances when possible
- Paying attention to your energy provider’s peak usage times
- Using tools like Compare the Market to shop for better rates
“You can also compare your energy bills with other companies through Compare the Market,” she added. “Just enter a few details and see if you can find a better deal.”
See the Full Rankings
The complete list of U.S. state rankings—and a comparison against global energy bill anxiety—can be found at:
https://www.comparethemarket.com.au/energy/features/energy-bills-anxiety-index/