What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Tampa
As the mercury rises in Tampa, so do summer energy bills. With air conditioners humming around the clock to beat the heat and humidity, electric bills often reach their peak in June, July, and August. Just how high do they climb? The average July electric bill in Tampa is about $170, based on typical household usage.
Of course, your actual bill will depend on the size of your home, your thermostat settings, and the efficiency of your cooling system. But Tampa residents can generally expect their summer electric bills to be 30-50% higher than in the milder spring months. Knowing what to anticipate can help you budget accordingly.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Tampa During the Summer?
Several factors converge to drive up electricity use during Tampa’s toasty summers. The biggest is the sheer demand for air conditioning. With daily highs routinely topping 90°F and lows only dipping into the upper 70s, air conditioners and heat pumps have to run for many hours each day to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
Older homes with less efficient insulation and windows let in more heat, forcing cooling systems to work overtime. Tampa’s long daylight hours in summer also mean lights and appliances are used more. Pool pumps, irrigation systems, and EV charging can further add to summer energy loads for some households.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
What exactly makes up those steep summer power bills? Here’s an example breakdown for an 1,800 sq ft Tampa home with average A/C use in July:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $95 | 56% |
| Water Heating | $25 | 15% |
| Appliances | $20 | 12% |
| Lighting | $18 | 11% |
| Other | $12 | 7% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Tampa. So any steps you can take to improve your A/C efficiency will have an outsized impact on your total costs.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
Fortunately, there are many ways Tampa residents can keep summer electric bills in check:
- Sign up for off-peak billing, if available, to get discounts for shifting usage to lower-demand hours
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your A/C settings, especially when you’re away
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to prevent cooled air from escaping
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun from heating your home
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and use ceiling fans to help you feel cooler. Every degree above 78°F saves about 3% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Tampa
Some utility providers offer time-based discounts to encourage customers to use less energy during peak hours. For example, Tampa Electric (TECO) has optional time-of-use rates that provide lower prices for electricity used during “off-peak” times, like nights and weekends.
By shifting more of your energy use—like running the dishwasher or charging an EV—to off-peak hours, you can reduce your bills without having to cut back on overall consumption. Check with your utility to see if they offer time-of-use plans and whether they could be cost-effective for your household.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
A: Summer electric bills in Tampa are typically 30-50% higher than in spring months like April and May. The increase is mainly due to higher A/C use to combat the summer heat.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, installing solar panels can significantly offset your summer cooling bills. Your panels will produce the most electricity during the long, sunny days of summer—exactly when you’re using the most power to run your A/C. Learn more about the costs and benefits of going solar in Tampa.
Q: What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
A: The U.S. Dept. of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home in the summer. When you’re away, you can bump it up to 85°F. Remember, fans don’t actually cool the air, so turn them off when you leave to avoid wasting energy.
Smart Cooling Prep for Tampa Summers
With a little planning, Tampa residents can keep their cool without breaking the bank. Expect your electric bills to run between $150 and $200 per month in June, July and August in an average-sized home.
To minimize costs, keep your thermostat set to 78°F or higher, utilize ceiling fans for added comfort, and consider shifting flexible usage to off-peak hours if your utility offers time-based rates. Sealing air leaks, adding insulation, and strategically planting trees for shade can deliver long-term savings.
For more ways to beat the heat without busting your budget, check out our guide to lowering your utility bills in Tampa, FL.