Media Bias and Falsehoods!

December 7, 2025

“A single lie discovered is enough to create doubt in every truth expressed.” Author unknown

The article shown below appeared in the Charlotte, NC “fish wrap” this week. It covered almost a whole page. This article represents an excellent example of bias journalism. The article was based on a “study” conducted in 2019! Really?

Black families do not pay more for electricity than White, Asian or Hispanic families. Electric rates are set by the State government, the North Carolina Utilities Commission.

On a city street with 40-50 houses all families pay exactly the same usage rate. Period. The above article implies that “redlining neighborhoods” which was banned 1968 causes Black families to pay more. Hogwash! The rates are set by the State.

Electric bills as a % of income do change between Blacks and Whites. Black household income averages about $53,000/year across the US, while the overall national income is $78,000 per household. So, Blacks do pay a higher % of their income for energy. That’s just plain mathematics! Black income is lower due to the overwhelming number of single women households. The majority (75%) of White households have dual incomes (two wage earners). Asian incomes and Hispanic incomes are close to the national income.

It is true that Blacks rent houses and apartments in larger numbers, and landlords might not keep the rental property in great shape. And Black households may live in older, less energy efficient houses.

The article uses the term “energy injustice” in bold print. Costs for energy/electricity are not racially biased. It is not injustice, it’s just math. Redlining neighborhoods did exist in the 1930’s. Lenders at the Federal and state level did charge higher mortgage rates for residents of poorer neighborhoods. That practice was based on bill collection default data but was declared illegal in 1968, almost 57 years ago. And rightly so!

Lastly, low-income households qualify for many energy assistance programs at the Federal and state level including Comprehensive Energy Assistance, Low Income Energy Assistance, Weatherization Assistance, and the Crisis Intervention Program. To be more accurate these payments should be included in the mathematics!