Millions of Americans could face power shutoffs as the extreme heat continues

WASHINGTON (TND) — Millions of low-income households are at risk of having their power disconnected this summer as deadly heat continues to threaten several states across the country.

But some states have summer shutoff protections in place. Those are rules restricting disconnections during potentially deadly heatwaves for customers with unpaid or overdue bills.

Nineteen states plus D.C. have these protections in place but Todd Royal, an energy consultant, told The National Desk millions of Americans don't have that same level of protection.

To think about people being in awful, hot conditions and they have no ability to be able to cool down," Royal explained.

According to The Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, almost half of Americans live in states without summer shutoff protections. But Royal says, even if you live in one of those states, you may have some other places to go.

Let's just say religious institutions, nonprofits like the Red Cross, the Salvation Army," Royal said.

James Marlow, president of The Southface Institute, adds you likely have even more options to escape the heat.

Sometimes that may even be going to a shelter, or going to a library during the day, or going to a place that is fully air conditioned," Marlow suggested.

According to The National Energy Assistance Directors Association, the average energy bill will likely increase by 9% from June to September. The average household, will pay roughly $719.