Heat waves are hitting individuals and small businesses the hardest, reports say. The record heat is bad for the finances as well as the health of the most vulnerable. While grids appear to be coping with extra demand from the heat wave afflicting tens of millions of Americans, some small businesses and residents are under extra pressure. California, Arizona, and Texas have hit temperatures well above that level this summer. According to data from the association, domestic energy bills will jump almost 12% this summer to an average of $578, up from $517.

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Persons: we're, Karen Swearingen, Greg Abbott, Mark Wolfe Organizations: Service, Reliability, of Texas, NBC DFW, Burger, Street Journal, Gov, University of Roehampton, National Energy Assistance, Association Locations: California , Arizona, Texas, Europe, Houston, England . California , Arizona, Phoenix , Arizona