What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Lehi
As the mercury rises in Lehi, so do electric bills. Residents can expect their summer energy bills in Lehi to be significantly higher than the rest of the year. According to local utility data, the average monthly electric bill for June through August in Lehi is $168. The average July electric bill in Lehi is about $203, representing the peak of cooling season.
These elevated summer costs are typical for the region. With Lehi’s hot, dry climate, air conditioning is a virtual necessity for most households. This leads to a dramatic spike in electricity use during the hottest months, driving bills up accordingly. While the exact amount varies based on home size, cooling habits, and energy efficiency, Lehi residents should plan for bills to be 30-60% higher in summer compared to spring or fall.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Lehi During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to high summer energy bills in Lehi. The primary driver is air conditioning use. With average July highs around 93°F, most homes run the A/C frequently to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature. Central air conditioners and heat pumps can draw a lot of power, especially in older, less-insulated homes.
Lehi’s climate and geography play a role too. The city’s high elevation means long summer days with intense sunlight, heating up homes more than in other regions. Dry air also makes evaporative coolers less effective. Additionally, many homes have pools or irrigation systems that consume extra electricity to run pumps. With more people staying home and using electronics in summer, total energy use tends to rise across all categories.
Another emerging factor is electric vehicle charging. As more Lehi residents adopt EVs, home charging can add to summer electric bills. While off-peak charging can help, EVs are still a significant new power draw for many households.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate where summer energy costs come from, here is an example bill breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home in Lehi with average A/C use:
| Category | Cost | % of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $115 | 57% |
| Appliances | $35 | 17% |
| Water Heating | $22 | 11% |
| Lighting | $18 | 9% |
| Other | $12 | 6% |
As this shows, cooling often dominates the bill, accounting for over half of costs. Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Lehi. Appliances like refrigerators and ovens are the next biggest category, followed by water heating. Lighting and other miscellaneous uses make up the remainder.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill increase is inevitable, Lehi residents can take steps to manage costs:
- Sign up for off-peak billing and run major appliances at night
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize cooling schedules
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to improve A/C efficiency
- Plant trees or add awnings to shade your home’s sunny side
Small changes add up. For example, using ceiling fans allows you to set the thermostat 3-5 degrees higher with no comfort loss. 🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. With a smart thermostat, you can automate these settings and precool your home in off-peak hours.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Lehi
Some utility providers offer time-based discounts to shift energy use. Rocky Mountain Power, the main electric utility in Lehi, has optional Time of Use rates. Under this plan, electricity costs about 30% less during off-peak hours (10 p.m. to 8 a.m. on weekdays and all day on weekends and holidays).
If you can shift flexible usage like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging to off-peak times, these plans can help reduce summer bills. However, be aware that peak rates are also higher than standard flat-rate billing. Consider your home’s daily energy patterns to see if TOU pricing makes sense.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
In Lehi, expect your July and August bills to be about 30-60% higher than April or May. Exact increases vary by home size and A/C use.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, solar panels can significantly offset high summer bills. With Lehi’s abundant sunshine, a well-designed solar system often produces the most energy in summer months, helping cancel out cooling costs. Learn more about Lehi utility costs.
What temperature should I keep my house at in summer to save energy?
The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees higher when away. You can save 3-5% on A/C costs per degree above 72°F.
Smart Cooling Prep for Lehi Summers
In summary, Lehi residents typically see electric bills rise to the $150 to $250 range in July and August due to high A/C use. To manage costs, take advantage of off-peak rates, maintain your cooling system, and use a smart thermostat to optimize your home’s temperature settings.
By understanding your summer energy patterns and implementing efficiency tips, you can stay cool and keep bills under control. For more ways to manage household costs, check out our guide to utility bills in Lehi.