Utility affordability remains a top issue for energy consumers across the U.S. as rising electricity demand and an aging grid coincide with increasing costs across the energy supply chain. In a comprehensive review of 51 investor-owned utility earnings calls in recent months, PowerLines found that investor-owned utilities proposed to spend at least $1.4 trillion over the next five years through 2030 on capital expenditures (CapEx)—a more than 21 percent increase over the $1.1 trillion over a five-year period outlined last year. Much of these CapEx costs could eventually be passed on to consumers, as utilities file rate increase requests that could result in higher utility bills. Utility Spending is Rising: A Review of Utility Capital Expenditure Plans