Electricity bills across the United States are set to climb this summer due to soaring natural gas prices and an intense heatwave, according to data from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA).

With temperatures expected to surpass seasonal averages nationwide and natural gas prices up 37% compared to last year, the average household electricity bill for June through August is projected to rise by 4%. This increase would push the average monthly cost to USD 186, up from USD 180 last summer and USD 148 four years ago, the Wall Street Journal reports.

“Rising natural gas prices combined with hotter-than-usual weather are driving up electricity costs for millions of Americans,” the EIA data indicates.

As households ramp up air conditioning to beat the heat, the impact on electricity bills is expected to be felt widely. This trend highlights the financial pressures faced by families amid fluctuating energy markets and climate changes.