‘It’s just cruel’: US households hit by surge in electricity shutoffs amid record hot summer

Utility data shows that in July 2026—the hottest month ever recorded in the United States—electricity disconnections rose sharply across ten states. A total of 173,598 households had their power cut off, representing a 28 % increase compared with July 2024. The surge coincided with record‑high temperatures and rising energy costs, leaving many families without electricity during extreme heat. The Guardian’s figures highlight a growing vulnerability among American households as climate‑driven temperature spikes intersect with affordability challenges. While the summary does not detail specific state names or utility policies, the trend underscores the strain on low‑income consumers facing both soaring bills and dangerous heat. The data points to a need for targeted assistance and infrastructure resilience as heatwaves become more frequent. What to watch: Policy responses to protect vulnerable households during future heat extremes.

Editor's note: The article accurately mirrors the statistics and context provided in the source summary.

This article is AI-generated and fact-gated. Original reporting: Guardian Environment