Electricity prices have risen 3X faster than inflation since January, and that’s triggering a surge in power shutoffs across the country. (WaPo)
By the numbers: In Pennsylvania, shutoffs are up 21% this year, and in New York City, residential disconnections skyrocketed fivefold in August compared to last year. The average overdue balance throughout the country is now $789, up 32% since 2022.
It’s not just the poor: Economists warn the crisis is spilling into the middle class, with families earning $80K—like an Ohio teacher working three jobs—falling behind on utility bills for the first time.