By Sukhmani Singh
Opening monthly utility bills often brings a sense of dread as individuals face the burden of soaring energy costs. Unfortunately, these expenses are not just an annoyance; for many individuals, utility bills have become a matter of life and death. Recent studies shed light on the chilling reality of high energy prices and their deadly consequences, painting a picture of social injustice perpetuated by corporate greed.
A study by The Economist delved into the link between energy price spikes and mortality rates in Europe. During winter in 2022 to 2023, there were 149,000 excess deaths in Europe, coinciding with a 69% increase in electricity prices and a 145% increase in gas prices compared to the previous two years. Shockingly, a mere €0.10-per-kilowatt hour (kWh) increase was associated with a 2.2% rise in weekly mortality rates, with 68,000 deaths attributed to higher energy prices.
Expensive energy discourages people from adequately heating their homes, increasing the risk of cardiac and respiratory problems due to prolonged exposure to cold conditions. This phenomenon, known as the “warmer is healthier” principle, highlights the legal impact of exorbitant energy prices on vulnerable communities.
Regulatory costs indirectly contribute to the death toll by imposing financial burdens that limit spending on risk management and health-related expenses. Research suggests that for every $40 to $115 million in regulatory costs imposed on society, one death can be predicted. With federal regulations costing trillions annually, the cumulative impact on mortality cannot be ignored.
The tragic case of Stephanie Pullman, a Sun City, Arizona, resident who died after her electricity was cut off due to a $51 debt, epitomizes the deadly consequences of utility company greed. Despite having a partial payment made towards her bill, Pullman died from environmental heat exposure and cardiovascular disease during a sweltering Phoenix summer. Her story underscores the urgent need for regulatory reform to prevent similar tragedies. In response to Pullman’s death, Arizona implemented a moratorium on summertime shutoffs and permanently banned electricity cutoffs during the hottest months. Other states have followed suit, recognizing the life-threatening implications of power disconnections during extreme heatwaves.
The looming “tsunami of shutoffs” driven by record inflation and surging electricity prices threatens to exacerbate the crisis. With more than 20 million households falling behind on utility bills, the inability to afford electricity poses a dire threat to public health, particularly for low-income families. While government aid and assistance programs provide temporary relief, they fail to address the systemic issues driving energy poverty and utility debt. The disproportionate burden of energy costs on marginalized communities only further proves the urgent need for social justice reform in energy and utility regulation.
As communities continue to confront the deadly consequences of utility greed and regulatory failures, it is imperative to advocate for polices that prioritize public health and safety. Public utility commissions (PUCs) must take swift action to implement safety nets for consumers plagued by high utility bills. From implementing stricter regulations to expanding access to affordable energy, concerted actions must be taken to address this issue.
The price we pay for energy should not come at the cost of human lives. Utility companies are granted charters by states to provide affordable and reliable energy, ensuring the well-being of their customers. By cutting off power and allowing individuals to die due to their inability to pay, these companies violate their fundamental obligation to serve the public interest and uphold basic human rights.
It is time that PUCs and state governments nationwide hold utilities accountable and ensure equitable access to essential services for all members of society. Only then can we truly achieve justice and prevent further tragedies like Stephanie Pullman’s untimely death.
Sukhmani graduated from Arizona State University with a B.A. in political science and a B.A. in sustainability. She is now a 3L at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University. Her legal interests are rooted in the intersection between sustainability and social justice, including access to clean, affordable energy and advocating for the rights of local urban farmers. Outside of law school, Sukhmani enjoys exploring rural Arizona and buying books she will never read.
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