Trump Administration Severs 'Lifeline' for Families Struggling to Pay Utility Bills
Inside Climate News––A federal program that helps low-income households pay for heating and cooling costs is in limbo.
Energy Justice Lab News and Events
RFK Jr urged to release nearly $400m allocated to help families combat heat
The Guardian––As part of Trump’s administrations ‘efficiency’ drive, staff running decades-old program for energy assistance laid off.
The Cool Down––New research shows how rooftop solar can help improve the energy security for low-to-moderate-income households.
How Trump's executive order on coal could impact energy use in the US
ABC News––It no longer makes economic sense to maintain or build coal-fired plants.
HHS cuts could put families at risk when weather heats up
NPR––A federal program that helps people pay their heating and cooling bills is now on hold. That's after its entire staff was fired this week.
It costs more to use an electronic medical device in Hawai'i than in any other state
Hawai'i Public Radio––A new study conducted by Carley and her colleagues shows that the electricity costs associated with medical devices in Hawaiʻi are higher than in any other state. Residents with these devices pay 40% more on their bills each month, though the exact costs vary by device.
Energy Poverty and Utility Disconnections in the United States, with Sanya Carley
RESOURCES RADIO––Episode 312: Carley discusses the problem of utility disconnections, which occurs when a utility turns off a household's water, electricity, or heat; the potentially risky strategies that households employ to avoid shutoffs by reducing energy consumption and costs; the groups that are most vulnerable to disconnection; and potential improvements to government programs that help low-income households pay utility bills.
In Tennessee, Climbing Utility Rates and More than 140,000 Household Cut-Offs in 2023
INSIDE CLIMATE NEWS––Utility rates have increased nationwide since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, as more states enact legislation suspending disconnections during heat waves, Tennessee remains an outlier.
93F and no electricity: why some US utilities can cut power despite heatwaves
THE GUARDIAN––In 27 states, utilities can disconnect power for non-payment on the hottest days, which an have deadly consequences.
Americans face sky-high energy bills amid extreme heat
PBS NEWS HOUR––As summer temperatures have soared across the nation, so have electric bills as air conditioners work overtime. Every year, nearly 3 million American households have their electricity shut off because of unpaid bills. We hear from people dealing with this issue and John Yang speaks with Sanya Carley, professor of energy policy and city planning at the University of Pennsylvania, to learn more.
Behind on electric bills? A spike in disconnections has the state seeking solutions
HAWAI'I PUBLIC RADIO––A spike in disconnections has the state seeking solutions. About 6,000 households had their power cut in 2023 due to missed payments, according to the state Public Utilities Commission. Are you having trouble affording your electric bill? You're not alone.
Why the U.S. government is spending $7 billion on solar for low-income homes
NPR––By funding programs that provide rooftop solar panels, batteries to store solar energy, and community solar farms, the EPA expects to help more than 900,000 low-income households reduce pollution that drives climate change, and reduce bills.