OPINION — We’ve been experiencing another summer of extreme heat, the leading cause of weather-related deaths. Extended exposure to high temperatures increases the risk of developing illnesses, like heat stroke, and exacerbates other existing ailments, such as heart disease or diabetes.
The situation is worse in low-income areas and communities of color, for they are disproportionately more likely to experience extreme heat, and residents are less able pay more for increased air-conditioner electric bills.
That’s why there are communities across America that have installed distributed clean energy systems. When extreme heat threatens the grid, these communities are secure knowing that they are independently powered and their electricity rates won’t skyrocket.
