Summer Shutoff Protections and Bill Support Fail to Adapt to a Warming World
State shut-off rules to help families stay connected to cooling during periods of extreme temperatures have not kept pace with the realities of climate change. Many were written decades ago when in many parts of the country dangerous temperatures were limited to short-term heat waves and the demand for electricity to run cooling systems was much lower because fewer families had access to air-conditioning. NEADA and CEPC just published an issue brief that provides background on why energy is becoming less affordable to low income families, and the limitations of current federal funding programs and state shut-off rules to protect families during periods of high summer temperatures.
2024 Summer Cooling Outlook