‘It’s just cruel’: US households hit by surge in electricity shutoffs amid record hot summer
Utility disconnections were up 28% in 10 states in July 2026 – the hottest month ever recorded in the US – compared with July 2024, data shows
TL;DR
- Record heat in July, the hottest month ever recorded in the US, saw 173,598 households disconnected from their electricity supply across 10 states.
- Electricity disconnections in July were up 28% compared to July 2024, with nearly one in six US households now behind on energy bills.
- Households are struggling with doubled utility bills, forcing them to cut back on food, medicine, or ration air conditioning use, leading to health risks and financial hardship.
- Rising electricity prices, driven by factors like AI data centers, grid upgrades, and global energy disruption, are outpacing inflation.
- Protections for low-income households are insufficient, with the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap) facing proposed cuts and allocating most funds for winter heating rather than summer cooling.
- Some states have rules preventing disconnections during extreme heat, but 27 states allow shut-offs regardless of weather conditions.
- The article highlights personal stories of individuals facing isolation, panic attacks, and health issues due to the inability to afford adequate cooling during heatwaves.
- Political debate surrounds the causes of rising energy costs, with differing views on the impact of current administration policies, former administration actions, and global events.
- Cities and states are implementing measures like cooling centers and improved warning systems to combat the impacts of increasing heat hazards.