Many NJ Residents Can’t Afford Air Conditioning At Night, Study Finds

Hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents are routinely going without air conditioning at night because they can't afford the electricity bill, a new study claims.

Research from Advance America found that 463,204 low-income New Jersey households – about 44 percent – are likely switching off their air conditioning at night to save money. These households typically go without cooling for an average of 11 nights per month, even as summer temperatures climb.

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Researchers cited data from a nationwide survey of 3,011 adults in households with annual incomes below $49,999, which was taken in July 2026. The study also used data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2023 Local Air Conditioning Estimates. View the full report and ranking list here.

More than two-thirds of survey respondents said limiting their air conditioning negatively affects their sleep. The survey also found that 27 percent have delayed paying another household bill to afford cooling, and 22 percent have endured a home they felt was dangerously hot rather than turn on the AC.

Connecticut topped the national ranking list, with 61 percent of low-income households saying they regularly turn off their air conditioning to reduce bills: an estimated 251,575 households across the state.

The other four states with the highest rates were:

• Massachusetts: 52% - 413,640 households
• Maryland: 51% - 358,924 households
• Montana: 50% - 50,553 households
• Michigan: 50% - 564,975 households

The state least likely to cut back? Alaska, which ranked at 9 percent.

"No family should have to choose between staying cool and keeping up with their bills, but for millions of households, that's exactly the situation," said Laura McCutcheon of Advance America.

"Eleven nights a month without air conditioning isn't a minor inconvenience," McCutcheon said. "It affects sleep, health, workplace performance, and even family relationships."

• Related: These 3 Laws Will Cut NJ Electric Bills, Sherrill Says
• Related: NJ ICE Prison's Air Conditioning Blows Out As Brutal Heat Wave Fries The Region

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