Because many Americans are either out of work or furloughed from their employers due to Covid19, many will be home for most of the summer days.
That means a higher strain on energy grids, and higher monthly bills for consumers.
Working from home has increased residential electricity demands by 15% during normal business hours, according to Innowatts, a utility consultant. And Bloomberg estimates power bills could increase by 25% in parts of the U.S.
The Union of Concerned Scientists estimates that prices could go up as much as 30% in parts of the south.
This comes at a time when many Americans are already facing dire straits when it comes to their personal finances.
In California the average bill may increase by 25% to over $200, the state’s Public Utilities Commission has warned.
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