What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Littleton
As the mercury rises in Littleton, so do electric bills. Residents can expect their summer energy bills to be significantly higher than the rest of the year. The average monthly electric bill for June through August in Littleton is around $180. The average July electric bill in Littleton is about $220, the peak for the year.
These high summer costs are driven by the need for air conditioning in Littleton’s hot, dry climate. Cooling can account for over half of a home’s energy use during the summer months. Older homes with less efficient AC systems and insulation are hit especially hard.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Littleton During the Summer?
There are several factors that contribute to high summer energy bills in Littleton. The biggest is the demand for air conditioning. As temperatures routinely top 90°F, AC systems have to work overtime to keep homes cool. This is compounded by Littleton’s many sunny days, with solar heat gain warming up houses.
Older homes are more susceptible to heat gain due to aging insulation and single-pane windows. Longer daylight hours also mean people are active at home for more of the day, using appliances and electronics. Additional summer costs can come from pool pumps, landscape irrigation systems, and charging electric vehicles.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
Here’s how a typical summer electric bill breaks down for an 1,800 square foot home in Littleton with average AC use:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $118 | 54% |
| Appliances | $40 | 18% |
| Water Heating | $31 | 14% |
| Lighting | $22 | 10% |
| Other | $9 | 4% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Littleton. Air conditioning is by far the biggest component, exceeding the combined costs of appliances, water heating, lighting and electronics.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While summer electric bills are unavoidably higher, there are ways Littleton residents can reduce costs:
- Sign up for off-peak billing to get lower rates for energy used at night or on weekends
- Install a smart thermostat to automatically optimize your AC settings
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to improve cooling efficiency
- Plant shade trees or add window awnings to block solar heat gain
🏆 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 Littleton
Some Littleton utility providers like Xcel Energy offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) rate plans. Under TOU billing, energy rates vary based on the time of day and day of the week. Electricity used during “peak” hours costs more than electricity used during “off-peak” hours.
Peak hours are typically weekday afternoons and evenings. Off-peak hours are overnight and on weekends. By shifting flexible usage like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak times, customers can save money without necessarily using less total energy. TOU plans reward people for when they use energy, not just how much.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: Summer bills in Littleton are often 30-50% higher than in spring months like April and May. Cooling costs are the main difference, with AC use ramping up significantly in June.
Q: Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, solar panels can greatly offset summer electric bills. With Littleton’s abundant sunshine, a home solar system often produces the most electricity during summer peak hours, helping reduce grid energy usage. Learn more about solar costs and savings in Littleton.
Q: What temperature should I keep my house to save energy?
A: The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake, and 7-10 degrees higher when away or asleep. Using ceiling fans allows you to raise the thermostat about 4°F with no reduction in comfort.
Smart Cooling Prep for Littleton Summers
With average July electric bills around $220, Littleton residents need to be prepared for high summer cooling costs. Knowing that your bills may be 30-50% higher than in the spring can help you budget accordingly.
To keep bills in check, take advantage of off-peak rates if available, maintain your AC system, and use a programmable or smart thermostat to avoid wasting energy. With some planning and efficiency upgrades, you can stay cool without breaking the bank.