When the Ramirez family opened their July electric bill, they were shocked to see a total of $286. “We knew cooling would be expensive, but this is crazy,” said Maria, shaking her head. For many in San Marcos, TX, sky-high summer energy bills have become the norm.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in San Marcos
As the Texas heat cranks up, so do the summer energy bills in San Marcos. Residents can expect their electricity costs to nearly double during the peak months of June, July, and August compared to more temperate seasons.
According to local utility data, the average monthly electric bill in San Marcos is around $180 for June, $210 for July, and $195 for August. The average July electric bill in San Marcos is about $210, which can put a major dent in household budgets.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in San Marcos During the Summer?
The main culprit behind soaring summer power bills is air conditioning. When outdoor temperatures routinely top 95°F, A/C units and heat pumps have to work overtime to keep homes cool. Many houses in San Marcos also have older, less-efficient insulation that allows cool air to escape.
The sheer number of sunny days and long daylight hours also contribute to higher cooling needs. From June to August, the sun beats down on San Marcos an average of 14 hours per day. Pool pumps, irrigation systems, and EV charging can further inflate summer electric bills for some households.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To see where your money is going, it helps to break out the components of a typical summer electric bill in San Marcos:
| Component | % of Bill |
|---|---|
| Cooling | 55% |
| Appliances | 20% |
| Water Heating | 15% |
| Lighting | 5% |
| Other | 5% |
Based on 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in San Marcos. Air conditioning is by far the biggest energy hog during the hot summer months.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer bill shock is inevitable in San Marcos, there are ways to take control of your cooling costs:
- Sign up for an off-peak or time-of-use billing plan with your utility provider
- Install a smart thermostat to optimize your A/C settings
- Seal air leaks around doors, windows, and ductwork
- Plant shade trees or add awnings to block direct sun
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable. Every degree above 72°F saves 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in San Marcos
Some electric providers in San Marcos, like San Marcos Electric Utility, offer optional Time-of-Use (TOU) pricing. Under these plans, you pay different rates for on-peak, off-peak, and weekend energy use.
Shifting more of your electricity consumption to off-peak hours (before 3pm and after 7pm on weekdays) can significantly lower your bills. Doing laundry, running the dishwasher, and charging electronics overnight or on weekends lets you take advantage of the cheapest rates.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer bills compared to spring?
In San Marcos, expect your electric bills from June-August to be 70-100% higher than in March-May. Hot weather and increased A/C use are the main drivers.
Does solar reduce summer energy costs?
Yes, installing solar panels can greatly reduce your summer bills by generating free electricity from the abundant sunshine. A appropriately-sized system can offset 50-90% of your cooling costs.
What temp should I keep my house to save energy?
Energy Star recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and awake, and a few degrees higher when away or asleep. Using fans and light clothing for comfort at this temp can cut cooling costs by 10% or more.
Smart Cooling Prep for San Marcos Summers
With some planning, you can keep your cool without breaking the bank. Expect to pay $180-$250 per month for electricity in June, July and August in a typical San Marcos home. Signing up for off-peak rates, using a smart thermostat, improving your insulation, and harnessing shade can help you get control of summer energy bills.
For a full breakdown of utility costs in San Marcos, check out our San Marcos Utility Costs Explained guide. You’ll find more tips and tools for managing your household expenses year-round in the San Marcos sun.