After facing costly heating bills this winter, a new report says consumers shouldn’t expect relief for the summer months, as electric prices and temperatures continue to rise. (Photo by Dave Cummings/New Hampshire Bulletin)
Consumers who faced high heating bills over the winter months should brace for further financial strain as summer approaches, with household utility costs projected to rise. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association has reported an anticipated increase in electricity prices for cooling homes from June to September. Average cooling costs are expected to jump to $778, marking an 8.5% rise from last year.
According to the association, warmer temperatures and increased electric prices are driving these higher costs. “Families are squeezed from both directions,” stated Mark Wolfe, the association’s executive director. The South is predicted to experience significant impacts due to its higher temperatures and reliance on air conditioning, with South Atlantic states seeing cooling bills increase by over $100.
Midwestern states could see summer energy costs rise by about $30 per household. Currently, one in six American households are behind on energy bills, with total utility debt potentially reaching $23 billion by year’s end. With energy costs rising faster than inflation, the association has urged Congress to allocate more funds for energy assistance.
State lawmakers are increasingly scrutinizing high electricity prices, yet face challenges in providing relief due to broader energy market realities. The Edison Electric Institute links rising electricity rates to increased demand, extreme weather, and new technologies, projecting a $1.1 trillion investment in grid improvements over the next five years.
A February study commissioned by the organization revealed stable electricity prices across much of the U.S., but noted that price hikes in certain regions are affecting national averages. These regional increases are attributed to market changes and policy shifts beyond utility providers’ control. “In general, the utilities have managed controllable costs effectively,” the report stated.
This story was originally produced by Stateline, which is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network which includes Daily Montanan, and is supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity.
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