And then there’s the small matter of it being financially ruinous for the poorest people

common misconception. In fact, it would probably be cheaper for most people since they wouldn't have to own a generator (or pay for use of someone elses).

Instead, people (especially the poorest) would need to put effort into tracking their own usage - and understanding that an airconditioner uses far more electricity than a phone charger.

This seems completely out-of-touch with reality, and absolutely insults the intelligence of the poorest people

With higher energy cost, People who could afford ACs would pay off the linemen to connect the AC directly bypassing the meter.