Americans are facing the highest cooling costs in a decade this summer, with an average of $719 to keep their homes cool. Rising temperatures, lack of access to affordable cooling, higher electric costs, and funding cutbacks are all contributing to this financial burden. The South, especially Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana, are projected to have the highest cooling costs this summer, with average electric bills potentially exceeding $858.
NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has already forecasted a hotter-than-normal summer for most of the U.S., with the West and Northeast having the highest chances of experiencing abnormally hot temperatures. Parts of California, Nevada, and Arizona are expecting the first heat wave of the season, with temperatures soaring over 105°F.
The projected total cooling costs for states across different regions vary, with areas in the Pacific region potentially seeing a 12% increase over last year. Programs like New York City’s partnership to provide free air conditioners to qualifying households are examples of efforts to mitigate high cooling costs.
These estimates could be lower if temperatures continue to rise, and residents should be prepared for potentially higher cooling bills this summer. The Associated Press contributed to this report, highlighting the financial challenges Americans are facing in staying cool during the hottest months of the year.
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