July’s heat had ratepayers across the state scrambling for relief not only from high temperatures, but surging electric bills as supply was stretched to meet demand.

Laurie Wheelock, the executive director of the Public Utility Law Project of New York, said the ratepayer advocacy group fielded more calls in recent weeks than at any time in its 44-year history, with customers fearing shutoffs in the middle of a heatwave.

“It’s statewide,” Wheelock said. “We’ve seen an uptick in every single one. ConEd, NYSEG… It’s coming from everywhere.”

The strain has been particularly hard on low-income customers, the group that makes of the bulk of PULP clients.

“They’re scared to use their AC because they know it’s going to be expensive,” Wheelock said. “But if you’re older or medically vulnerable

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