What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Naperville
For the Johnson family in Naperville, IL, the arrival of their July electric bill came as quite a shock. “I knew running the AC more would increase our costs, but I wasn’t expecting it to nearly double,” said Sarah Johnson. Unfortunately, the Johnsons’ experience is all too common. The average July electric bill in Naperville is about $180, with many families seeing their summer energy bills in Naperville soar well over $200 per month during the hottest stretches.
Based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the typical household in Naperville consumes about 1,000 kWh of electricity per month in the summer. At an average price of 18 cents per kWh, that translates to an average monthly electric bill of $180 for June through August. However, consumption can vary significantly based on home size, AC usage, and other factors, pushing some bills over $300 monthly.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Naperville During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to the surge in summer electric bills for Naperville residents. The biggest driver is the increased demand for air conditioning to combat the hot and humid weather. With average high temperatures in the upper 80s from June to August, AC units and heat pumps are working overtime to keep homes cool. Older or poorly insulated homes require even more energy to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
Longer daylight hours also play a role, as lights and appliances tend to be used more when people are awake and active for more of the day. Additionally, summer activities like running pool pumps, watering lawns, and charging electric vehicles can add to the electric load. All of these factors combine to create a perfect storm for high energy bills.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate where your energy dollars are going, here’s a sample breakdown for a typical 1,800 square foot home in Naperville with average AC use in July:
| Component | Percent of Bill | Approx. Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% | $99 |
| Appliances | 20% | $36 |
| Water Heating | 15% | $27 |
| Lighting | 7% | $13 |
| Other | 3% | $5 |
As you can see, cooling accounts for over half of the typical July electric bill in Naperville. Keeping the AC running constantly to battle the summer heat is the primary culprit behind those painfully high bills. Finding ways to use your cooling system more efficiently is key to reining in costs.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase in summer electric costs is inevitable, there are steps Naperville residents can take to keep bills under control:
- Sign up for off-peak or time-of-use billing to get discounts for shifting usage to lower-demand hours
- Install a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep
- Have your ducts professionally sealed to prevent cooled air from escaping into unconditioned spaces
- Plant shade trees or install awnings to block direct sunlight from heating up your home
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day when you’re home and bump it up a few degrees when you’re out. Use ceiling fans to help circulate cool air and make rooms feel more comfortable at slightly higher temps.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Naperville
Some Naperville utility providers, including ComEd, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans. Under TOU rates, you pay different prices for electricity depending on when you use it. Prices are highest during peak hours (typically weekday afternoons) and lowest overnight and on weekends.
By shifting energy-intensive activities like running the dishwasher or doing laundry to off-peak times, you can take advantage of lower rates. With cooling accounting for such a large portion of summer bills, precooling your home overnight or bumping up the temp a few degrees during peak hours can add up to sizable savings.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much higher are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: Summer bills in Naperville are often 30-50% higher than in the mild spring months when cooling needs are minimal. The average electric bill spikes from around $100 in April to $180 in July.
Q: Does solar help reduce summer energy costs?
A: Yes, solar panels can significantly offset the increased energy usage during summer by generating electricity from the abundant sunlight. Many solar homes produce enough to cover 50-90% of their AC needs.
Q: What’s the ideal thermostat temperature for saving on cooling?
A: Aim to set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake, and a few degrees warmer when away or asleep. Every degree above 78°F saves about 3-5% on cooling costs. Pair with fans for added comfort.
Smart Cooling Prep for Naperville Summers
With Naperville utility costs peaking in the summer months, taking proactive steps to manage your cooling is crucial. Expect to see electric bills in the $150-300 range from June to August, with July typically being the most expensive.
To minimize the impact, consider shifting to a time-of-use plan, installing a smart thermostat, improving your insulation and sealing, and taking advantage of natural shade. By understanding your usage patterns and implementing efficiency measures, you can stay cool without breaking the bank.