When the Ramirez family opened their July electric bill, they were shocked. “I knew our summer energy bills in Lakewood would be higher,” said Maria, “but $325 seemed crazy for a 1,500 square foot house!” Many Lakewood residents experience a similar surprise their first summer in the city.
So how high are summer electric bills in Lakewood, really? The average monthly bill from June through August is around $250, with July typically being the most expensive. The average July electric bill in Lakewood is about $275. But depending on the size and age of your home, your cooling costs could spike even higher.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Lakewood During the Summer?
There are a few key reasons Lakewood energy bills skyrocket in the summer months:
- Air conditioning demand. Lakewood’s hot, dry summers mean A/C units are working overtime to keep homes cool. Central air can easily add $100+ to a monthly electric bill.
- Older homes and insulation. Many of Lakewood’s charming older neighborhoods have homes built before modern insulation standards. Insufficient attic insulation allows cool air to escape, making A/C systems work harder.
- Longer daylight hours. With the sun up past 8pm in the summer, Lakewood residents tend to be active longer. More time awake means more energy used throughout the house.
- Irrigation and pools. Watering lawns and gardens, along with running pool pumps and filters, can add to summer utility costs for those with yards and pools.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
Here’s how a typical July electric bill might break down for a 1,800 square foot Lakewood home with average A/C use:
| Component | Cost | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $165 | 55% |
| Appliances | $60 | 20% |
| Water Heating | $30 | 10% |
| Lighting | $30 | 10% |
| Other | $15 | 5% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use. As you can see, expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Lakewood.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable, there are ways Lakewood residents can keep cooling costs in check:
- Take advantage of off-peak pricing. Xcel Energy offers optional pricing plans with lower rates on nights and weekends. Shifting chores like laundry and dishwashing can save money.
- Upgrade to a smart thermostat. Programmable smart thermostats optimize your cooling schedule around peak rates and when you’re away. Many new units even have sensors to keep different rooms comfortable.
- Improve insulation and seal ducts. Adding attic insulation has one of the best ROIs for efficiency. And sealing HVAC ducts can improve cooling power by 20% or more.
- Plant trees and use blinds strategically. Well-placed shade trees can reduce A/C demand. Keeping blinds closed during the day also prevents the sun from heating up your home.
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 72°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs!
Time-of-Use Pricing in Lakewood
Xcel Energy, Lakewood’s electricity provider, offers both standard and time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. With TOU pricing, you pay different amounts for energy depending on the time of day:
- On-Peak: Weekdays 2pm-6pm, excluding holidays. Highest rate.
- Shoulder: Weekdays 9am-2pm and 6pm-9pm, excluding holidays. Mid-level rate.
- Off-Peak: All other hours. Lowest rate.
Switching to a TOU plan and shifting flexible usage to off-peak hours can help offset high A/C costs. But if you work from home or can’t avoid peak use, sticking with a standard plan may be cheaper.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills vs. spring in Lakewood?
A: Summer bills are typically 30-50% higher than in spring months like April and May when A/C isn’t needed as much. The July-to-April difference can be $150 or more.
Q: Does solar help with summer energy costs?
A: Yes! While solar panels are an investment, they can significantly offset summer bills. Lakewood’s plentiful sunshine is perfect for generating power. Xcel Energy also offers net metering, so you can sell excess energy back to the grid.
Q: What’s the most efficient A/C temperature for summer?
A: The US Dept. of Energy recommends 78°F as the best balance of comfort and savings. Raising the temp 7-10 degrees when you’re away can lower cooling costs by up to 10%.
Smart Cooling Prep for Lakewood Summers
While summer energy bills in Lakewood typically fall between $200-$350 per month, a few smart moves can keep you in the lower end of that range. Understanding your overall utility costs is the first step. Then focus on strategic A/C use, off-peak chores, and inexpensive efficiency upgrades.
With a little preparation, you can enjoy Lakewood’s sunny summer weather without breaking a sweat over your electric bills. Stay cool!