07/03/2026
⚠️ Dangerous Heat Expected Across South Carolina ⚠️
The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Friday July 3rd through Monday July 6th, with heat index values reaching up to 108°F. High temperatures combined with humidity can quickly lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Greater demand on air conditioners also causes higher light bills.
Please take precautions:
- Stay in an air-conditioned room or another cool indoor space whenever possible
- If your home isn't cool enough, begin planning now where you can safely go. These could include a library, faith center, community center, shopping center, or another public cooling space
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day
- Stay out of direct sunlight when possible
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Schedule outdoor work or exercise during the early morning or evening
- Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and anyone who may be vulnerable
- Never leave children or pets in parked vehicles
- If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately
At the South Carolina Energy Justice Coalition, we know that extreme heat is also an energy affordability and energy justice issue. Many families struggle to keep their homes cool because of high electric bills. No one should have to choose between their health and their utility payment.
You need to use your air conditioner, prioritize your safety and use it! To help reduce bill impacts:
- Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest hours
- Raise your thermostat a few degrees when it is safe to do so
- Use fans to improve air circulation
- Delay using ovens, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and other heat-producing appliances until later in the evening
- Turn off lights and unplug electronics that are not in use
NOTE: These tips may help reduce energy use, but they are not a solution to rising utility costs. High electric bills are driven by utility rates and system-level decisions that are beyond the control of individual households. These changes will likely have a very limited effect on your total bill.
If paying your electric bill is difficult, contact your electric utility as soon as possible. Many providers have payment plans, energy efficiency tools and upgrades, budget billing options, energy audits, or can connect customers with available assistance programs. Reaching out early often provides more options than waiting until a bill becomes overdue.
For additional heat safety information, visit:
- National Weather Service: https://www.weather.gov
- CDC Heat & Health: https://www.cdc.gov/heat-health
- OSHA Heat Safety: https://www.osha.gov/heat
Please stay safe, stay hydrated, and check on one another. Extreme heat affects all of us, but it disproportionately impacts Black, rural, disabled and other households that are already experiencing high energy burdens.
Together, we can help keep our communities safe.
