"Record Heat Waves to Spike Summer Cooling Costs by 8%"

The cost of cooling American homes this summer is projected to reach a 10-year high, with an average of $719, driven by extreme heat and reduced federal funding for energy assistance programs. This increase is expected to disproportionately affect low-income households, many of whom may face utility shut-offs or debt to cover their bills. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts 2024 will be among the warmest years on record, exacerbating the financial strain on vulnerable families.