By Linda Truman, Member of Consumers Council

This past year, 2023, was the warmest year in a 174-year climate record, and 2024 is expected to bring record heat.

Nearly 25% of the US population are vulnerable. Approximately 1,220 US citizens die yearly from extreme heat. Our most vulnerable neighbors are seniors, children, low to moderate income populations, disabled and chronically ill persons, and outdoor workers. Urban heat islands bring increased risk to vulnerable populations by increasing high all-day temperatures and pollution, energy consumption, and utility bills. Heat events result in $1 billion in excess health care costs and could cost the US economy over $14.5 trillion over the next 50 years.

The energy burden is already disproportionately higher on low-income people. The percentage of gross household income they spend on energy is three times higher than it is for non-low income-Americans.  An analysis of zip-code-level disconnection data showed customers in non-white neighborhoods were four to five times more likely to have their power disconnected.

Here are strategies that can combat extreme heat and utility unaffordability:

• Robust, tiered discount rates of percentage of income payment plans (PIPPs), or both
• Summer moratorium protections
• Increase funding for the Low In-come Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and weatherization programs
• Disconnection protections for vulnerable populations
• New credit and collection provisions that lock in more flexibility, les punitive practices
• Monthly reporting of disconnections, arrearages and other affordability metrics via zip code level data filing

For more information, see the report written by Karen Lusson at NCLC with support from and collaboration with the Center for Energy, Poverty, and Climate.

NCLC Article: Protecting Access to Essential Utility Service During Extreme Heat and Climate Change

Full PDF: Protecting Access to Essential Utility Service During Extreme Heat and Climate Change