Energy rates have increased and high heat has caused people to be running their air conditioners more often. | Photo by Carlos Lindner on Unsplash
Energy rates have increased and high heat has caused people to be running their air conditioners more often. | Photo by Carlos Lindner on Unsplash
Temperatures have hit extreme levels in many areas this summer, requiring households to run their air conditioning constantly to keep cool, including in Pennsylvania, where temperatures have reached 90 degrees and above.
"National electricity rates are through the roof under President Biden's failed leadership. Energy costs are disproportionately hurting families, workers and lower-income Americans who are struggling to rebuild their lives and livelihoods post-pandemic,” Republican political consultant Jonathan Lockwood said. “Energy rates are the highest they've ever been in American history, and the Democrats are doing everything in their power to strangle our energy portfolio. The Democrats can’t count on moderate Republicans and disaffected Democrats and Independents voting Democrat just because they did in 2020.”
A recent national poll from the Senate Opportunity Fund showed that 58% of Americans blame President Joe Biden for inflation. This includes 48% of moderate voters and 30% of Democrats. This poll was conducted from July 5 to 7 and surveyed 800 people likely to vote in the general election.
According to ABC27, Pennsylvania has had numerous days of extreme heat this past July, including a point with six consecutive days above 90 degrees. The high heat is expected into August and residents are being warned of the dangers that this can bring.
Saveonenergy.com reported that as of Monday, the average residential electricity rate across the nation is 14.92 per kilowatt-hour. The average electric price for a business customer in the U.S. is 12.14 cents per kilowatt-hour. In May, the average is 15.20 cents per kilowatt hour in Pennsylvania, which is a 9.5 increase compared to last year’s$13.88. Electricchoice.com reported that in September 2021 and 2022, Pennsylvania residents were paying an average of 14.38 cents per kilowatt-hour and 14.52 cents per kilowatt-hour, respectively. This was a 0.96% year-to-year decrease.
The numbers are concerning for Pennsylvania residents struggling to pay their bills during a time of unprecedented inflation. This year, World Population Review reported that 11.78% of Pennsylvanians are living under the poverty line. This amounts to 1,539,183 residents.
The U.S. Energy Information Administrated used data from its Electric Power Monthly report to show that in 2021 the average nominal retail electricity price paid by a U.S. residential electric customer increased at the fastest rate since 2008. This went up 4.3% from 2020 to 13.72 cents per kilowatt-hour.
Alerts Sign-up