Why is my electric bill so high?

A high electric bill is usually caused by increased electricity usage, higher rates or charges, or a change in how your bill was calculated. In summer, hot weather can increase air-conditioning use, but a longer billing cycle, changes in household activity, pool equipment, rate changes or differences between estimated and actual meter readings may also raise your bill.

If your electricity bill is suddenly higher, start by comparing it with your previous bill. Changes in electricity usage, the number of days in your billing cycle, your rate or other charges can all increase your total.

1. Did your kWh usage increase? Compare the kWh used on your current and previous bills. If your usage went up, consider what may have changed at home. Hot or cold weather can make your HVAC system run longer, while more people at home, appliances and pool equipment can also increase electricity use.
2. Did the billing period contain more days? Check the start and end dates on both bills. A longer billing cycle includes more days of electricity use, so your total bill can be higher even when your average daily usage is about the same.
3. Did your electricity rate change? Compare the rate on your current bill with the rate on your previous bill. Because supply charges are based on your electricity usage and rate, a change in either can affect what you pay.
4. Did delivery charges or fees change? Review the individual charges on both bills. For applicable customers, your bill may include separate supply and utility delivery charges. Utility delivery charges cover getting electricity to your service address and can vary.
5. Was a previous meter reading estimated? Check whether your meter readings were estimated or actual. If one bill was based on an estimated reading and the next used an actual reading, the adjustment can make the later bill appear unusually high. Still not sure what changed? Compare the kWh used, billing dates, rate, meter-reading type and individual charges side by side. Looking at those details together can help narrow down what caused the increase.

Why are electric bills higher in summer?

Your electricity bill may be higher in summer because hot weather can make your air conditioner run longer, increasing your electricity use even if you haven’t changed your thermostat setting. Other factors, including changes in your rate or billing cycle, can also affect your bill.

Common reasons for a higher summer electricity bill include:

1. Your air conditioner runs longer. When outdoor temperatures rise, your AC has to work longer to maintain the same indoor temperature. So even if you keep your thermostat at the same setting, your electricity use can increase.
2. You may use more electricity at home. More time at home can mean more use of lights, electronics and appliances. Equipment such as refrigerators, water heaters, pool pumps and HVAC systems also continues using electricity even when no one is home.
3. Pool equipment can add to your usage. If you have a pool, running the pool pump more frequently can contribute to higher electricity use.
4. Your electricity rate or billing cycle may have changed. A higher rate or longer billing cycle can increase your bill. If a fixed-rate contract ends, an account may move to a month-to-month or variable rate that differs from the previous fixed rate.

How to lower your electric bill in summer

Those who have experienced extreme heat might be familiar with summer’s effects on our energy bills. Fortunately, there are simple ways you can implement to lower your electricity bill this summer. 

Improve your cooling system's efficiency

1. Raise your thermostat. The recommended summer thermostat settings are around 78°F when you’re home and as high as tolerable when you’re away or asleep. Try an experiment with your family and see how much you can comfortably raise the temperature in your home.

2. Get an AC tune-up. Call a professional to make sure your cooling system is in good health and working as efficiently as possible to make the most of your cooling dollar. 

3. Use energy-saving features on window units. Many window units are ENERGY STAR-rated and have special modes that conserve energy, but few people use them and instead keep the fan running all the time, even when the air conditioning component is off. All this does is create a constant energy drain. Try using the energy saver mode or turning the fan to auto to shave a few cents off your electricity bill.

4. Check your filters. Clean or change your air filters regularly to maintain proper airflow and keep your HVAC system working efficiently. 

5. Reduce your home’s humidity. Hot temperatures are not the only thing causing you discomfort in the summer, but high humidity affects air conditioning and energy bills as well. Reduce the humidity in your home by using a dehumidifier, turning on your ventilation fans while cooking and showering and maintaining your outdoor water drainage.

6. Clear space around your air vents. Make sure your vents aren’t blocked by furniture or other obstructions. Clearing the space around vents will help better circulate cool air.

7. Use ceiling fans. Create airflow with ceiling fans to make yourself feel cooler. Remember to turn them off when you leave the room. 

Keep cool air in and heat out  

8. Make your attic energy efficient. Attics can reach well over 100°F, making it difficult for a central air unit to cool a home, leading to higher electricity bills. Upgrade your attic insulation if needed and install an attic fan to give the central air a break.

9. Seal your windows and doors. Don’t let the cool air escape and hot air enter through drafts in your doors or windows. Test your seals with this trick: put a dollar between the door or window and the seal and close it. If you can easily pull the dollar out, it’s time to replace the seal. Install weather stripping or re-caulk the drafty areas.

10. Close your drapes. Close drapes on west- and south-facing windows to prevent extra heat from entering your home. Dark, thick drapes provide more insulation and defense from the sun’s heat.

11. Plant trees and shrubs for shade. These take a while to grow, so this is something of a long-term strategy, but carefully placed shade trees and shrubs can assist your drapes in keeping warm sunlight from fighting your air conditioner. Plant trees on the east, west and northwest sides of the house for maximum shade protection, making sure not to plant them too close to your home.

Reduce energy use from appliances and electronics

12. Adjust your water heater temperature. The recommended temperature for most water heaters is 120°F. Using this recommended setting will save energy and prevent safety hazards.

13. Maintain your pool. Consider upgrading your pool pump to a more energy-efficient model to help you save on summer fun. Keep your pool filters clean so they can run efficiently.

14. Save energy doing laundry. To keep costs down in your laundry room, wash and dry full loads and wash in cold water. If you can, hang your laundry to dry. This will save energy and reduce wear and tear on your clothes.

15. Use your oven sparingly. Your oven can produce a lot of heat and make your whole house hotter, causing your AC to work harder. Instead of using the oven, try recipes that use a slow cooker, microwave, toaster oven, electric pressure cooker or no appliances at all.

16. Check your refrigerator efficiency. If your fridge is too cold, it could be costing you more money than you think. Check with the manufacturer to find the recommended temperature settings. Make sure your refrigerator is not letting out any cold air with the dollar test.

17. Unplug unused electronics. According to Berkely Lab, standby power typically accounts for 5% to 10% of a home's electiricty use.¹ Use surge protectors to easly switch these electrics off and prevent them from using standby power. 

Take control of your summer energy costs

Summer electricity bills can climb quickly, but a few practical changes can help. Pay attention to how your household uses energy, start with the updates that can make the biggest difference and adjust your habits based on what works for your home.