Extreme Heat Hits 80% of Americans with Higher Electricity Bills
A new survey by the AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research found that extreme heat is increasingly affecting the daily lives of Americans, with 80% of respondents reporting that it has had a major or minor impact on their household electricity bills over the past year. This represents a significant increase from 69% in July 2024. Americans in the Midwest are particularly affected, with 44% saying extreme heat has had a major impact on their electricity costs, up from 29% two years ago.
The survey also revealed that around 40% of Americans have had their travel or vacation plans disrupted due to extreme heat, up from roughly one-quarter in 2024. Many respondents cited wildfire risks, flooding concerns, and severe summer weather conditions as reasons for changing their plans. Furthermore, approximately seven in 10 Americans reported that extreme heat has impacted their family’s outdoor activities.
The AP-NORC survey’s findings come as households across the United States grapple with rising cooling costs and increased energy consumption during prolonged periods of high temperatures. The impacts of extreme heat are being felt across various aspects of daily life, from higher energy bills and disrupted travel plans to reduced outdoor activities and sleep disturbances.
This surge in extreme heat-related issues is part of a broader trend of increasing temperatures and more frequent severe weather events across the country. As the United States experiences more prolonged summer heatwaves, the effects on daily life are likely to continue growing.
The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research conducted the survey from July 23-27, 2026, gathering insights into how extreme heat is reshaping the lives of Americans. The survey’s results highlight the need for continued awareness and adaptation strategies to mitigate the impacts of extreme heat on daily life.
