Now, as summer fast approaches, Americans are preparing for record-breaking expenses to keep their homes cool. A new joint analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate found a shocking average expense for households. During the summer months, families can expect an average of $784 in energy costs just to keep their households cool. This figure, a historic highwater mark, comes in at an amazing 4.2% more than last year. The increase is even more dramatic, at 14%, compared to 2020, when cooling costs were estimated at $688, inflation adjusted.
Yet every year, including 2020, President Donald Trump has called for eliminating the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). This proposed move has experts and advocates deeply alarmed. This program is a lifeline for millions of low-income households who are having difficulty keeping up with their energy costs. Over 21 million Americans are still behind on energy payments as the cost of living soars. This has caused a jaw-dropping $24 billion in accrued debt to utility companies as of March 2023, from $17.5 billion in January.
Only 26 states provide any sort of summer cooling assistance with LIHEAP. Only 19 states and D.C. offer any kind of summer shutoff protections. These protections are incredibly important. As written, they only protect less than half of the U.S. population, meaning millions of Americans remain at risk for disconnections in hot summer months.
Regional variations in cooling costs have emerged. Residents in New England and the Midwest will almost certainly see their costs go up. These costs are likely to increase from 13% to 18% over last year. The Pacific region is projected to experience a modest decrease in annual cooling bills, by nearly 7%.
Mark Wolfe, Executive Director of the National Energy Assistance Directors Association, painted a picture of the increasingly desperate plight of many households. He stated, “Without access to affordable cooling, many will be at risk of heat stroke and other health impacts associated with rising temperatures.” This warning comes as heat-related deaths are on the rise. The reality, of course, is that more than 2,300 people have already succumbed to heat exposure in 2023.
Cooling costs for apartments have been increasing even more. This barrage comes after a winter where home heating costs were projected to increase by almost 9%. One other point Wolfe raised on the call was the prevailing financial stress that families are under. As he said, “People don’t have the opportunity to go back on energy bills.”
With summer approaching and temperatures rising, the daily costs incurred by families are mounting. The possible elimination of critical lifeline supports deepens an already difficult circumstance. With millions more across the nation still feeling the effects of falling behind on energy debts.