Posts

A Pandemic and Surging Summer Heat Leave Thousands Struggling to Pay Utility Bills

/in , /by /Inside Climate Newsby Maddie Kornfeld

When the coronavirus pandemic forced classrooms to close this spring, Leticia Garcia’s family in Fairfax County, Virginia, quickly ran short of money. Garcia cleans schools for a living and, with her hours sharply reduced, found herself at home with her two daughters.

She cut their cell phone service to keep the water, gas and electricity on. Now, only Garcia and her son, who helps pay the utility bills, have working phones.

Full Story

Opinion: Affordability Must Be a Priority as California Charts a Course for Economic Recovery

/in , /by /CalMattersby Danielle Blacet-Hyden and Patrick Welch

There’s no doubt California has been hard hit by the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The state’s unemployment rate is north of 15% and millions of households are struggling to pay their bills, whether it be the monthly rent or mortgage, a car payment or their utility bills.

Full Story

Utility Bills Will Likely Increase by 10% On Average in Big Cities This Summer

/in , , /by /CNBCby Megan Leonhardt

With millions of Americans still at home, about 1 in 3 people nationwide are expected to see their utility bills go up by at least 10% this summer.

Full Story

In Letter To Congress, Water Agencies Call For Drinking Water Relief Funding

/in , , /by /Valley Public Radio - Central Valleyby Kerry Klein

In March, the COVID-19 relief bill known as the CARES Act set aside $900 million to help Americans pay their utility bills. Earlier this week, a broad coalition of water agencies delivered a letter to Congress advocating for more funding. The letter, submitted Monday to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy and other California Congressional delegates, argues that billions of federal dollars are still needed for water infrastructure maintenance and assistance with water bills.

Full Story