That's when Virginia joins the small but growing ranks of states protecting disconnects during extreme heat. "We have to account for extreme heat outside the normal months of the year that are increasingly hotter now," Aird said. I predict we will see more places experiencing heat crises and heat emergencies. Nearly three million people have their electricity shut off annually because they cannot afford to pay monthly bills, according to the Energy Justice Lab. A majority of states (40) have statutory-based utility disconnection protections that cover specific times of year and vulnerable populations, according to the Energy Justice Lab.

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Persons: Virginia sweltering, Lashrecse Aird, Aird, David Konisky, Konisky Organizations: Indiana University, Energy Justice Lab, Energy Justice, Energy, Washington D.C Locations: Virginia, That's, Petersburg