Pandemic Electric Bills Are Searing Hot, As Families Stay Home

Lisa Vrooman with her boyfriend John Rock, dog Umar and cat Mochi. They love the high ceilings in their 650 square foot apartment, but keeping it cool is costly.

Lisa Vrooman

Summer temperatures in Glendale, Ariz., frequently climb to 110 degrees.

“I can go outside and scramble eggs on the sidewalk,” says Glendale resident Leandra Ramirez. “That’s crazy.”

Air conditioning is essential. And now that she and her family are at home all day during the pandemic, Ramirez’s AC is running around the clock.