When the Johnsons opened their July electric bill, they were shocked. “How is it possible we used $285 worth of electricity last month?” Stacey asked, fanning herself in the kitchen. Her husband Mike shrugged. “I guess that’s the price of comfort in Highlands Ranch summers.”
The Johnsons aren’t alone in their surprise over high summer energy bills in Highlands Ranch. With long, hot days and a reliance on air conditioning, electric costs soar for many residents during June, July, and August. The average July electric bill in Highlands Ranch is about $265, nearly double the $135 residents typically pay in April.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Highlands Ranch During the Summer?
Several factors drive up summer energy usage and costs in Highlands Ranch homes:
- Air conditioning demand: Cooling makes up over half of summer electric bills as AC units work overtime to maintain comfort indoors.
- Heat pump systems: While efficient, heat pumps run frequently in hot weather, increasing power consumption.
- Older home construction: Many Highlands Ranch homes have aging insulation and single-pane windows that allow heat gain.
- Longer daylight hours: With the sun up past 8 pm, households use more lighting and electronics into the evening.
- Lifestyle factors: Summer activities like pool pumps, irrigation systems, and EV charging can drive up electric use.
The combined impact is a seasonal spike that catches many Highlands Ranch residents off-guard, especially those in older or larger homes.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
What exactly makes up those high summer electric bills? Here’s a look at how cooling costs compare to other usage in a typical 1,800 sq ft Highlands Ranch home:
| Component | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $145 | 55% |
| Appliances | $45 | 17% |
| Water Heating | $30 | 11% |
| Lighting | $25 | 9% |
| Other | $20 | 8% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use
As the breakdown shows, expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Highlands Ranch. Appliances, water heating, and lighting divide the remainder, with electronics and other devices playing a smaller role.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill increase is inevitable, Highlands Ranch residents can take steps to manage costs:
- Sign up for off-peak billing to access lower rates on nights and weekends
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your AC settings and save energy
- Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and ducts to minimize cooling loss
- Use shade trees, awnings, or window films to block heat gain from the sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel 3-4°F cooler.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Highlands Ranch
Some electric providers in Highlands Ranch, like Xcel Energy, offer time-based rate plans. Under these programs, you pay more for power used during “peak” weekday hours but get a discount on nights and weekends.
By shifting energy-intensive activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak times, you can reduce your monthly bills without major lifestyle changes. Check with your utility to see if a time-of-use plan makes sense for your home.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: Highlands Ranch residents typically see their bills double from April to July, with cooling accounting for most of the increase. The average electric bill is around $135 in spring but $265 in mid-summer.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, a appropriately-sized solar PV system can offset the majority of your summer cooling costs in Highlands Ranch. Talk to a local installer about your home’s solar potential.
Q: What temperature should I keep my house at in the summer to save energy?
A: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake, and warmer overnight or when you’re away. Ceiling fans can help you feel cooler at higher indoor temps.
Smart Cooling Prep for Highlands Ranch Summers
With average July electric bills hitting $265 in Highlands Ranch, it pays to be proactive about summer energy use. Expect your costs to rise by $100 or more per month compared to spring, with cooling accounting for over half of the increase.
To minimize the impact, take advantage of off-peak rates, maintain your AC unit, and use passive cooling strategies like shading and ventilation when possible. With a combination of smart home prep and energy-efficient habits, you can stay comfortable without breaking the bank.
For a full breakdown of utility costs in your neighborhood, check out our Highlands Ranch Utility Guide.