Rising Heat and Utility Debt Put Air Conditioning Out of Reach for Millions in California

A new Environmental Working Group report shows that extreme heat days in California have risen by an average of 55% over two decades, while households spend up to $800 extra annually on air conditioning. With nearly 7 million ratepayers in utility debt, many cannot afford to run cooling systems. The report recommends expanding access to balcony and rooftop solar to offset these costs.