Heat Waves Make AC Too Expensive for Many People

image via New Scientist

June 4, 2024, 3:30 PM

• •Longer and hotter summers are increasing the cost of cooling homes, threatening to leave low-income people unable to afford air conditioning as temperatures skyrocket because of climate change.
• •A report released Monday by a group representing state energy officials says the average U.S. electric bill could hit $720 this summer — more than 50 percent higher than in 2014 — largely because global warming is intensifying heat and forcing people to use more air conditioning.
• •Many low-income households are in difficult financial conditions after paying high heating costs this winter. The association estimates that 21 million households are behind in paying their energy bills, amounting to $20 billion in past-due payments to utilities.

The cost of cooling homes is increasing as temperatures rise, threatening to leave low-income people unable to afford air conditioning. A report released Monday by a group representing state energy officials says the average U.S. electric bill could hit $720 this summer — more than 50 percent higher than in 2014 — largely because global warming is intensifying heat and forcing people to use more air conditioning.

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