A new California statewide survey has found that one in three parents of young children can't afford their utility bills.

What's happening?

KQED summarized the crisis, noting that utility rates are rising sharply in the state. The news outlet spoke to one parent, Harnesha Burks, whose power was cut off amid some financial struggles.

Burks, who was living in the Bay Area, ended up couch-surfing with relatives for several weeks. Her older son moved in with his grandparents to be closer to his high school, which left Burks feeling guilty.

"We were ripped from our nests," she told the news outlet.

She eventually moved back into her apartment with some financial help from family to pay her $1,700 utility bill, but her refrigerator was full of spoiled food.

Why is this survey important?

Philip Fisher, director of the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, which conducted the survey, told KQED that, when parents are faced with difficult financial decisions, they pay for housing and food first, and utilities often fall between the cracks.

He added that when the research team followed up with parents, they reported feeling elevated levels of anxiety, loneliness, depression and stress. They described their children's demeanor as fussy or defiant.

KQED also summarized several studies and a follow-up survey from the Stanford Center on Early Childhood, which indicated that parents' economic hardships cause emotional distress, developmental delays, and other problems for young children.

What's being done about rising utility costs?

There are some programs that can help people who are struggling to pay their utility bills.

For instance, PG&E in California offers a debt forgiveness program as well as several financial assistance programs. However, KQED reported that many parents who filled out the survey didn't apply because they weren't sure if they would qualify.

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