Soaring Electricity and Food Costs Fuel Affordability Crisis

Voters Frustrated by Persistent Inflation Despite Slowing Rate of Increase

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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A new analysis examines how rising costs for essential household items like electricity, beef, chicken, dairy, and eggs have squeezed family budgets in recent years, even as the overall rate of inflation has started to slow. The article argues that voters are more focused on the high price levels they face rather than just the rate of price increases, and that both political parties share blame for the inflationary policies that have driven up costs.

Why it matters

The affordability crisis facing American households has become a major political issue, with voters frustrated by the persistent high costs of basic necessities despite some moderation in the overall inflation rate. This story provides important context on how inflation has impacted the prices of common grocery and utility items, undermining the "it's all Biden's fault" narrative from some conservatives.

The details

The article examines how prices have risen sharply for key household items like electricity (up 40% since 2020), beef (up 72% since 2020), chicken (up 38% since 2020), and eggs (still more than double their 2020 price despite recent declines). It argues that while the rate of inflation has slowed, the high price levels facing consumers have not. The piece also pushes back on the idea that the current inflation is solely due to President Biden's policies, noting that prices started rising sharply under the Trump administration as well.

  • Electricity prices rose 6.7% per year on average since February 2020.
  • Ground beef prices increased 19.3% from December 2024 to December 2025.
  • Chicken breast prices are 38% higher than in February 2020, despite a 14-year period of falling prices prior to that.
  • Egg prices spiked to over $4 per dozen in late 2024 due to avian flu outbreaks, and remain more than double their 2020 levels despite recent declines.

The players

Donald Trump

The former president whose policies during his two terms contributed to the initial spike in inflation that has persisted.

Joe Biden

The current president who has faced criticism from conservatives over high inflation, though the article argues the roots of the problem predate his administration.

Federal Reserve

The central bank whose expansionary monetary policies during the pandemic are cited as a key driver of the current inflationary environment.

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What they’re saying

“In effect, they voted in November 2024 for relief from the high cumulative inflation depicted by the electric bill CPI below, not merely for a reduced rate of price increase, which in this case didn't happen, either.”

— David Stockman, Author (lewrockwell.com)

“Claiming that it was caused by 'Joe Biden' resonates perhaps with the 25% hard core MAGA Hats in the US electorate, but it doesn't change the reality of far higher dairy costs for most less politicized households.”

— David Stockman, Author (lewrockwell.com)

What’s next

The article does not mention any specific future newsworthy events related to this story.

The takeaway

This analysis highlights how the affordability crisis facing American households is a complex issue driven by factors beyond just the current administration's policies, with both political parties sharing responsibility for the inflationary environment. Voters appear more concerned with the high prices they face rather than just the rate of price increases, underscoring the political challenges around addressing this crisis.