As Record Heat Sweeps the US, Some People Must Choose Between Food and Energy Bills

Stacey Freeman, a field organizer for PowerUp NC, struggles with energy poverty—between cooling in the summer and heating during winter, her bills can reach hundreds of dollars a month. Energy poverty can lead to health problems exacerbated by exposure to extreme heat or cold. Communities of color are affected at a rate 60% higher than white communities. Experts are calling for more policy action to address the worsening issue in the face of climate change.