California Faces Unaffordable Cooling Amid Extreme Heat and Soaring Utility Bills
California is experiencing an increase in frequent and dangerous heat days, making home cooling unaffordable for millions due to sky-high utility bills, according to a new report by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). The report highlights that heat advisory days, defined as 'extreme' or 'major' and threatening health without cooling, have jumped by an average of 55% statewide over the last two decades, with increases ranging from 30% to 145% depending on the region. California families are collectively spending $4 billion annually on home air conditioning, adding $95 to $800 to their yearly utility bills. Approximately 7 million ratepayers are already in utility debt, facing some of the highest electricity bills in the U.S. This situation forces many households to choose between risking extreme heat exposure or incurring further debt to afford cooling. 
