Key facts
- 173,598 US households had electricity shut off in July across 10 states.
- The rate of electricity disconnections rose 28% in July compared to the previous year.
- The federal government reported 13.4 million household shut-offs in 2024.
- About one in six US households are behind on their energy bills.
- Electricity prices have been climbing in the US since 2021.
- The Trump administration has sought to cut the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap).
A record-breaking hot summer in the US has coincided with a surge in electricity disconnections for households struggling with rising energy costs, according to figures compiled by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA).
In July, the hottest month on record, 173,598 households across 10 states had their electricity supply cut off, a 28% increase compared to July of the previous year. The federal government reported a total of 13.4 million household shut-offs nationwide in 2024. NEADA estimates that approximately one in six US households are currently behind on their energy bills.
Many households are resorting to drastic measures, such as cutting back on food or medicine, or taking out payday loans to restore power. Mark Wolfe, executive director of NEADA, described the situation as "cruel," noting that protections in place are insufficient and that vulnerable populations are at risk of heat-related illnesses or death due to the inability to afford air conditioning.
Rising electricity prices, exacerbated by increased demand from AI data centers, grid upgrade costs, and global energy disruptions, have contributed to the financial strain. Some residents, like Carol Norman from Texas, reported monthly utility bills soaring to around $600, forcing them to ration air conditioning use despite extreme heat.
While some states have rules preventing disconnections during extreme heat, 27 states allow shut-offs regardless of weather conditions. The Trump administration has also faced criticism for attempting to cut funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (Liheap), which provides assistance for energy bills, particularly for low-income households. A White House spokesperson, however, stated that the administration is focused on lowering electricity prices by promoting reliable energy sources like coal and natural gas.