Many Americans struggle to keep the lights turned on as energy costs and usage rise

With the cost of things like food and housing still straining people's budgets, many U.S. households over the past year have found themselves having to pare their spending on basic necessities just to keep the lights on at home. Hotter temperatures mean higher utility costs for millions of Americans

That's according to a recent Lending Tree survey that found that more than 34% of respondents said they have had to cut back or skip spending on certain necessary expenses at least once over the past 12 months in order to pay their energy bill. 

"Even though inflation has moderated in recent months, life is still crazy-expensive, and that can make it hard to pay your bills," Matt Schulz, LendingTree chief credit analyst, said in the report. "Lots of people have found themselves needing to make difficult decisions to keep the lights on. For some, that might mean cutting back on some expenses. For others, it might mean getting a side hustle or a second job."