US utility disconnections surge 28% as households struggle with record heat and rising costs

Utilities disconnected 173,598 households across 10 states in July 2026, the hottest month on record, marking a sharp rise in shutoffs as families face mounting energy bills during dangerous heat waves.

First covered Sep 29, 2026 · 6:00 AM PT · 1 article

US utility disconnections surge 28% as households struggle with record heat and rising costs — Image via theguardian.com

Coverage

3h Guardian Environment ‘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 A record hot…

Primary sources

acf.gov Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

eia.gov U.S. Energy Information Administration - EIA - Independent Statistics and Analysis

neada.org Presidents Fy 26 Budget Liheap 1 1 (neada.org)

Related coverage

5h JKempEnergy Best in Energy – 29 September 2026

More coverage from around the web

eia.gov 2024 Residential Utility Disconnections Report April 2026 www.eia.gov

usnews.com Massive Disconnect of Power Roils Largest US Electric Grid

ohiocapitaljournal.com More Ohioans are getting their power shut off as energy costs surge • Ohio Capital Journal

eia.gov 2024 Residential Utility Disconnections Report

rmi.org Disconnections Handbook - RMI

Appeared in: 2026-09-29 (#2)

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