What Summer Power Costs Look Like in San Bernardino
As the mercury rises in San Bernardino, so do electric bills. Summer energy bills in San Bernardino routinely spike 30-50% compared to spring, driven largely by air conditioning. The average monthly electric bill for June through August hovers around $180. The average July electric bill in San Bernardino is about $210, making it the most expensive month.
While exact costs vary based on home size, cooling habits, and utility provider, most San Bernardino residents see their energy expenses at least double during peak summer months. Bills topping $300 are not uncommon for larger homes or less efficient cooling systems.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in San Bernardino During the Summer?
Several factors converge to make San Bernardino a hotspot for high summer electric bills. First and foremost is the scorching heat. With July highs averaging 96°F and over 14 hours of daylight, air conditioners and heat pumps work overtime to maintain livable indoor temperatures.
Many San Bernardino homes have older construction and insulation, allowing more heat intrusion that strains cooling systems. Add in summer-specific energy drains like pool pumps, landscape irrigation, and extra refrigeration, and monthly usage can quickly climb. Plug-in electric vehicle charging can also boost summer bills for households with EVs.
The high cost of electricity itself in California further compounds summer expenses. At over 18 cents per kilowatt-hour on average, San Bernardino residents pay some of the steepest baseline energy rates in the nation – nearly 40% above the U.S. average.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
What exactly makes up those painful summer power bills in San Bernardino? Here’s a typical breakdown for an 1,800 square foot home with average air conditioning use in July:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $126 | 60% |
| Appliances | $38 | 18% |
| Water Heating | $25 | 12% |
| Lighting | $13 | 6% |
| Other | $8 | 4% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in San Bernardino. The only real variable is the weather. Hotter than average summers can easily push air conditioning costs even higher.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill inflation is inevitable in San Bernardino, there are ways to take the edge off. Consider these tips:
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat to optimize cooling cycles
- Seal air leaks around doors and windows to minimize heat gain
- Add insulation to walls and attics to slow heat transfer
- Use ceiling fans to supplement A/C and allow higher thermostat settings
- Install solar screens, films, or landscaping for extra window shading
- Shift laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours to reduce cooling interference
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when home and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable. Every degree above 72°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in San Bernardino
Some San Bernardino utility providers like Southern California Edison offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU rates, electricity prices vary based on the time of day and season.
Summer weekday afternoons and early evenings (4-9pm) are the most expensive “peak” hours, while late night and early morning are “off-peak” with lower rates. Weekends are typically off-peak. By shifting flexible energy usage to off-peak times, savvy customers can shave 10-40% off their bills.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in San Bernardino?
A: Summer bills from June to August average about 35% higher than April and May, mainly due to air conditioning. Individual increases vary by home size, cooling equipment, and usage habits.
Q: Does solar substantially reduce summer energy costs?
A: Solar can significantly offset summer bills, often cutting costs in half. With ample sun, long days, and high rates, summer offers optimal conditions for solar savings in San Bernardino.
Q: What’s the best thermostat temp for saving money in summer?
A: 78°F is the recommended balance of comfort and savings. Raise it a few degrees when away and lower it for sleeping if needed. Avoid setting it below 72°F, as costs rise quickly at cooler temps.
Smart Cooling Prep for San Bernardino Summers
With San Bernardino electric bills averaging $180-$250 per month from June to August and spiking even higher during heat waves, preparing your budget is prudent. Expect cooling to dominate, with A/C comprising up to 60% of costs.
Trimming expenses starts with optimizing your thermostat settings, shading windows, sealing leaks, and shifting usage off-peak if on a TOU plan. For more ways to lower your San Bernardino utility costs, check out our full guide to the city’s energy, water, and telecom expenses.
A little prep can take the sting out of those inevitable summer highs. By understanding your bill and adopting smart cooling habits, you can keep more cash in your pocket without melting your budget.