Are people sweltering in heat to pinch pennies?

With 11 Philadelphian’s already dead from this summer’s heat, the city health department worries people are enduring unhealthy conditions to cut the utility bill.

The heatwave that has gripped the region has no intention of giving up yet. There are concerns about people risking their health to save on electricity.

At least 11 people have perished from heat-related deaths this year in Philadelphia. City Health Commissioner Dr Donald Schwartz says he’s concerned that people are seeing their utility bills and cutting back on fans and air conditioning.

“We’re very worried that if this heat just continues without any change, people may feel a pinch and that pinch may lead them to cut corners on remaining cool or being hydrated both of those are very dangerous.”

Dr. Schwatz says people need to check up on the sick and elderly especially to make sure they are drinking enough fluids and keeping their fans and air conditions on, because turning them off in this heat could a deadly decision.