In a new report, it has been revealed that utility costs in the United States are expected to rise by 8% this summer, potentially putting low-income households at greater risk during extreme heatwaves. The analysis, conducted by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty, warns that the increasing electricity bills could have severe consequences for vulnerable communities.

Last year marked the hottest on record globally, and in the US alone, approximately 11,000 individuals lost their lives due to heat exposure. With temperatures continuing to rise, experts are growing increasingly concerned about the lack of readiness to combat the effects of another scorching summer.

The report, authored by Mark Wolfe, the executive director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, highlights that the average cost of cooling a home this summer is projected to reach $719, a significant increase from $661 last year and $476 a decade ago. The steepest rise in electricity costs, at 12%, is anticipated in the mid-Atlantic and west coast regions.

According to the Department of Energy, low-income households already devote around 8.6% of their income to utilities. Those who spend 6% or more of their income on energy costs are considered to be facing a high energy burden. Shockingly, the report reveals that nearly 20% of very low-income households do not have access to any air conditioning.

Shelby Green, a researcher at the Energy and Policy Institute, warns that families in America face the dangerous situation of having to sacrifice other necessities in order to maintain power. Many customers find themselves accumulating utility debt, struggling to keep up with current costs as they enter the summer season.

The report emphasizes that extreme heat is the most lethal weather phenomenon, surpassing floods, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Individuals living in low-income households often reside in older buildings with inefficient cooling systems, exacerbating their energy burden.

Mark Wolfe stresses the need for affordable cooling options, stating that if households cannot afford air conditioners during the summer, it should not come as a surprise when individuals fall ill and end up in hospitals. With the duration of heatwaves increasing, a greater number of families require access to affordable cooling solutions.

The report also highlights the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), passed in 2022, as a crucial development in expanding access to weatherization assistance and high-efficiency heating and cooling systems. Notably, New York recently became the first US state to provide home energy rebates through the IRA. The authors of the report urge Congress to develop a comprehensive, long-term plan to fully fund these programs.

Furthermore, the report calls on Congress to reinstate funding for federal energy assistance programs that were cut by $2 billion in this year's budget. It also reveals that 33 states currently offer no protections against summer utility shut-offs, leaving tens of millions of Americans at risk during peak heat periods.

As the summer approaches and utility costs continue to rise, it is imperative for policymakers to address the increasing energy burden faced by low-income households. The findings of this report underscore the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to ensure that all Americans can access affordable and reliable cooling during the hottest months of the year.