What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Peoria
Residents of Peoria, Arizona can expect their electric bills to soar during the hot summer months. With triple-digit temperatures being the norm from June through August, air conditioners work overtime to keep homes comfortable. As a result, summer energy bills in Peoria routinely exceed $200 per month, with many households seeing their highest costs in July.
According to local utility data, the average monthly electric bill for Peoria residents is $220 in June, $280 in July, and $250 in August. The average July electric bill in Peoria is about $280, representing a significant portion of a household’s summer budget. These figures reflect the immense cooling demand during the peak of summer in the Valley of the Sun.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Peoria During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to the high energy bills Peoria residents face each summer. The primary driver is the extreme cooling demand placed on air conditioning systems. With daytime highs regularly exceeding 105°F, A/C units must run frequently to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This increased usage directly translates to higher energy consumption and costs.
The prevalence of heat pumps in Peoria homes also plays a role. While efficient for heating during mild winters, heat pumps can struggle to cool effectively in extreme temperatures, leading to longer runtimes and increased energy use. Additionally, many older homes in Peoria have insufficient insulation, causing cooled air to escape and forcing A/C systems to work harder. The long daylight hours of summer also extend the time that cooling is needed each day.
Other contributing factors can include pool pumps, which often run for several hours per day to maintain water quality, and irrigation systems that consume electricity to water landscaping. In households with electric vehicles, increased charging during summer months can also add to the total energy bill.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate how cooling dominates summer energy use, here is a sample breakdown for a Peoria household in July:
| Component | Percent of Total |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% |
| Appliances | 15% |
| Water Heating | 12% |
| Lighting | 10% |
| Other | 8% |
Based on an 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Peoria. This breakdown highlights the outsized impact that air conditioning has on summer energy costs in the region. Appliances, water heating, and lighting comprise the bulk of the remaining usage.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While summer bills are inevitably higher, Peoria residents can take steps to manage costs:
- Enroll in an off-peak billing plan to get discounts for shifting usage to low-demand hours
- Install a smart thermostat to automate temperature settings and reduce waste
- Have your ducts professionally sealed to minimize cooled air loss
- Plant shade trees or add window coverings to block heat gain from the sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to feel cooler. Every degree above 78°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Peoria
Some Peoria utility providers, including SRP and APS, offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing plans. Under these rate structures, the price of electricity varies based on the time of day and day of the week. Typically, prices are highest during weekday peak hours (e.g., 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and lowest during off-peak hours and weekends.
By shifting energy-intensive activities like running the dishwasher or charging an electric vehicle to off-peak hours, Peoria residents can reduce their bills under TOU plans. These plans incentivize consumers to use electricity when overall demand is lower, easing strain on the grid. Households with some flexibility in their schedules often benefit most from this type of billing.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In Peoria, expect your electric bills from June to August to be 40-60% higher than in March to May. The increase is directly tied to cooling needs.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, installing solar panels can significantly offset summer energy costs in Peoria. With abundant sunshine, a properly sized system often generates enough to cover daytime A/C use.
What temp should I keep my house at in summer to save energy?
The US Dept. of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home and awake. Set it as high as comfortably possible when away or asleep for maximum savings.
Smart Cooling Prep for Peoria Summers
With average summer electric bills reaching $250 per month, Peoria residents must plan ahead for cooling costs. Knowing that A/C use drives 50-60% of summer energy consumption, focus on efficiency measures like duct sealing, smart thermostats, and off-peak use. Small habit changes, like raising the thermostat a few degrees and using fans, can add up to notable savings.
For a full picture of utility costs in Arizona’s biggest suburb, read our Peoria Utility Costs Explained article. Understanding your bill components empowers you to target the right energy-saving strategies for your household.