New Law Will Prevent Utility Disconnections in Extreme Summer Heat
By: State: Illinois | Source: aarp.org
With the Midwest summer heat upon us and many people already struggling to battle soaring electric rates, Illinois residents received good news from Governor Rod Blagojevich. On August 1st, Governor Blagojevich signed into law an AARP-backed bill (HB 5086) that will prevent utility companies from disconnecting residential service because of non-payment during extreme heat. The bill, which unanimously passed the Illinois Legislature, was introduced by State Representative Bob Flider (D-Decatur) and State Senator Mike Jacobs (D-Moline).
High temperatures can lead to serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke—and older adults are more prone to these illnesses. Inadequate cooling can prove fatal for older adults; however, the new law will provide residents with some protection. The new law protects consumers from utility disconnections on days where the temperature is expected to reach 95 degrees or more. Older adults, who tend to live on fixed incomes, are most vulnerable to health risks brought on by excessive heat.
In 1995, a record heat wave in Chicago led to over 600 deaths; mostly older individuals who either had no air-conditioning or could not afford to turn it on. From 1979-2003, excessive heat exposure caused over 8,000 deaths in the United States—more than those caused by hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.
Current state law provides protections for customers from having their electric or natural gas service disconnected for non payment during the winter months. However, until this law, there were no similar protections for customers cooling their homes during the summer months.
AARP reminds consumers who are having trouble with their utility company or who have received a disconnection warning, to contact the Illinois Commerce Commission at 1-800-524-0795.
To help beat the summer heat, AARP offers the following tips:
- Relax and put off chores and any strenuous activity.
- Stay indoors during the hottest times of the day.
- Close your shades to keep out the sunshine.
- If you do not have air conditioning, stay on the lower-level in your home—heat rises.
- Check with your local agency for cool places you can go, such as libraries, public buildings, or air-conditioned malls.
- Wear light-weight, loose fitting clothing and protect yourself from the sun by wearing a hat and sunglasses or using an umbrella.
- Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. This helps keep your body cool.
- Avoid alcohol or caffeinated beverages.
- If you have a chronic medical condition, talk with your doctor about additional precautions you should take to prevent heat related illnesses. Some conditions and medications may place you at higher risk.
- Neighbors, friends or family should check in on older people in their homes to make sure they are not suffering from the heat.
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