The Impact of Extreme Heat on Air Conditioning Usage and Energy Bills

As extreme heatwaves drive up electricity demand and utility bills, programs designed to assist low-income residents with energy costs are struggling to meet the higher summertime demand. The Electric Reliability Council of Texas has seen surging demand break the system's maximum load records 10 times within the past five weeks. Heatwaves limit the contribution of wind turbines and reduce the effectiveness of solar energy, leading to increased reliance on air conditioning. Relief organizations in states unaccustomed to widespread air conditioning use are grappling with extended periods of high demand. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association estimates that U.S. consumers' utility bills will be nearly 12% higher this summer than last. The current federal funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is insufficient to meet the growing demand caused by climate change.