Summer heat expected to raise bills nearly 8%

(CNN)– Staying cool this Summer will put a heavy dent in the pockets of many Americans.

The National Weather Service says the country will have above normal temperatures these next few months.

That means many residents will be cranking up the air conditioner which will translate into higher electric bills.

An analysis predicts the average cost to stay cool will go up nearly 8% from June through September.

It works out to an average $719, nearly $200 more than the electricity cost on average in 2019.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, heat-related deaths are on the rise in the country.