Get ready for a summer of heat waves — and higher air conditioning bills

Many Americans may get hot under the collar when they open their electric bills this summer, but for some, the consequences of rising utility costs can be a lot more serious.

The cost of keeping cool is expected to rise nearly 8% to an average of $719 from June through September, according to an analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate. That’s yet another price hike for inflation-weary consumers, who were paying only an average of $527 for electricity over the summer in 2019.