When the Wilsons opened their July electric bill, the $325 total gave them sticker shock. “I knew summer energy bills in Gilbert would be high,” said Liam, “but this is crazy!” His wife Emma nodded, fanning herself in the kitchen. “I guess that’s the price of comfort in Arizona.”
Many Gilbert residents experience a similar jolt as temperatures soar and air conditioners kick into overdrive. So how much does electricity really cost during the summer months? Let’s take a closer look at the numbers and what drives those summer energy bills in Gilbert.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Gilbert
According to utility data, the average monthly electric bill in Gilbert from June through August is $274. That’s nearly double the $140 residents typically pay in more temperate months like April and October.
The peak usually hits in July, when scorching heat and long daylight hours push cooling demand to the max. The average July electric bill in Gilbert is about $325, with some homeowners paying $400 or more, depending on the size and age of their home.
While those costs can induce some sticker shock, they’re on par with what residents pay in other hot Arizona cities. The summer electric bill for a single-family home in Phoenix averages $310, while Tucson clocks in around $285.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Gilbert During the Summer?
What exactly is behind those eye-popping summer power bills? The biggest factor is air conditioning, which can account for 50% or more of electricity use during peak months.
Gilbert’s sweltering summer weather, with daily highs often topping 105°F, forces air conditioners to run longer and work harder to keep homes cool. Many houses have older, less-efficient AC units and inadequate insulation, driving cooling costs even higher.
Other summer-specific energy needs also add up. Pool pumps hum away for hours, landscape irrigation systems tap into electric water pumps, and heat pump water heaters lose efficiency in blistering attics. With the sun up before 6 am and setting past 8 pm, lights and electronics are on longer too.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see how cooling impacts summer electric bills, consider this example for an average 1,800 sq ft home in Gilbert:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Central AC | $175 | 54% |
| Water Heating | $40 | 12% |
| Appliances | $55 | 17% |
| Lighting | $35 | 11% |
| Other | $20 | 6% |
| Total | $325 | 100% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use
As you can see, cooling dominates during the hottest months, generating over half the total bill. Expect air conditioning to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Gilbert.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable, Gilbert residents can take steps to manage costs:
- Sign up for SRP or APS time-of-use plans to access lower off-peak rates
- Program your smart thermostat to let temps rise a few degrees when you’re away
- Have your AC serviced and seal any leaky ducts before summer begins
- Use shade trees, awnings, or solar screens to block sun on windows and walls
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when home and use ceiling fans to feel 3-4° cooler.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Gilbert
Both of Gilbert’s main electric utilities, SRP and APS, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. Under TOU, you pay different prices depending on when you use power.
Summer peak hours, usually 1-8 pm on weekdays, have the highest rates. Off-peak hours, like nights and weekends, cost 30-50% less. If you can shift energy-heavy chores like laundry and dishwashing outside peak times, TOU plans can help shave summer bills.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: Gilbert residents typically see summer bills 80-120% higher than in April or May. So if you paid $150 in spring, expect $270-330 in July.
Q: Does solar really reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes! While solar panels can’t power AC directly, they offset overall electricity use. Gilbert homeowners with solar often see summer bills 30-50% lower than neighbors without.
Q: What’s the most efficient AC temperature for summer?
A: Every degree counts, so aim for the highest comfortable temperature. Most Gilbert families keep the thermostat around 78°F when home and 85°F when away.
Smart Cooling Prep for Gilbert Summers
As the Wilsons learned, Gilbert utility costs can catch you off-guard in the summer. But by knowing what to expect and taking simple steps, you can keep bills under control.
Plan for cooling to cost $175-300 per month from June to August in an average Gilbert home. Make the most of TOU rates, keep your AC in shape, and bump the thermostat up a few degrees to minimize the financial burn. With a little preparation, you can chill out without breaking the bank.