At the same time, research from NerdWallet shows gas prices are up more than 40% since the beginning of the year and could climb even higher, potentially driving up the cost of other consumer goods.
Cara Cooper, coordinator for Kentuckians for Energy Democracy, said the combination of these trends has created devastating impacts on rural Kentucky families already struggling to make ends meet. She added that she expects more households to face utility shutoffs in the coming months.
"We know that as the electric rates go up and the cost of living continues to go up," said Cooper, "that more and more people will be put into a situation where they're facing disconnections as we move into the summer and the extreme heat."
According to AAA, gas prices nationwide averaged around $3.72 a gallon this month, up from $2.93 a month ago. An April 2026 Pew Research Center survey finds nearly 70% of Americans are concerned about higher gas prices due to the Iran war.
Cooper and other advocates are pushing for the legislature to pass House Bill 377, which would put into place disconnection protections during extreme weather and bring Kentucky up to speed with the more than forty other states with similar legislation.
However, the bill stalled this legislative session.
"Once again," said Cooper, "disconnection protections are being blocked by committee leadership."
Another Pew survey released this month found most Republican voters voice strong support for fossil fuels like oil, coal, and natural gas. While Democratic support for renewable energy remains high, it's down from earlier this decade.
