**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
YOUR AC IS ABOUT TO COST YOU A FORTUNE: New ‘Dynamic Pricing’ Heat Alerts Could Double Your Electric Bill
(Your City) – Just as a brutal heat wave engulfs the region, utility companies are rolling out a controversial new policy that consumer advocates are calling a “tax on sweat.”
The new “Extreme Heat Dynamic Pricing” system, activated by the National Weather Service’s heat advisory, allows power companies to automatically shift millions of customers to a premium “peak emergency” rate.
Here’s the kicker: Running your AC between 2 PM and 8 PM during a heat advisory could now cost more than double the standard rate. While the utility claims this prevents blackouts, the fine print is buried deep in your bill.
“It’s a hidden fee on basic survival,” said Maria Rodriguez, a local consumer rights attorney. “You’re either risking heatstroke or paying a premium for air. There is no middle ground.”
What this means for your wallet:
- One 10-hour day of AC use at the peak rate could add $45 to $75 to your monthly bill.
- Seniors and low-income families will be hit hardest, forced to choose between food, medicine, and cooling.
Consumer Warning: Check your latest bill for “Heat Wave Surcharge” language. If you don’t see it, call your provider immediately—you may have been automatically enrolled into the new system.
How to fight back:
- Run your AC before 10 AM to pre-cool your home.
- Set your thermostat to 78°F when the heat advisory is active.
- File a complaint with your state’s Public Utilities Commission before this becomes the new normal.
Share this warning. Your friends and family need to know that turning on the AC could