Energy bills are expected to rise by nearly 8% this summer, potentially increasing costs for Americans nationwide as they try to stay cool.
According to projections from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate (CEPC), individuals will need to pay an average of $719 between June and September to cover their energy bills this year. On average, that amounts to nearly $180 for each of those four months.
According to the NEADA and the CEPC, last year’s U.S. cooling bills averaged $661 during the summer months.
Residents in three regions of the United States can expect a significant increase in their cooling bills this summer, according to projections by various groups.
Residents in the East South Central region will see a 10.1% increase in their energy bills, which will amount to $774. Energy bills in the Mid-Atlantic and Pacific regions are expected to increase by 12.2% compared to last year. For the months of June through September, residents can anticipate bills of $691 and $693, respectively, according to the NEADA and CEPC.
Passengers enjoy a pleasant ride on the Staten Island Ferry during a sunny late spring afternoon in New York City on June 3, 2024. New York City is taking proactive measures to prepare for the increasing frequency of extreme heat as temperatures continue to shatter yearly records worldwide as per FOX Business.
Meanwhile, Americans in other regions can expect single-digit percent increases in their June-through-September cooling bills.
Low-income families are being cautioned about the increased danger they face from rising temperatures. This is primarily due to the fact that these families are more likely to reside in heat islands, have limited access to affordable cooling during the summer, experience higher electricity costs, and face potential funding reductions for the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program in fiscal 2024.
As the summer heats up and certain parts of the U.S. face extreme temperatures this weekend, their energy bill forecast has arrived.
Parts of Central and Southern California, the Southwest, and the Great Basin are currently under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center.
“It is recommended to reduce time spent outdoors and ensure proper hydration,” advised the NWS Weather Prediction Center for individuals residing in regions experiencing elevated temperatures.
