What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Tempe
Scorching temperatures drive summer energy bills in Tempe to their highest point of the year. While spring electric bills in the Phoenix metro area average around $100 per month, that figure climbs sharply as triple-digit heat arrives. The average July electric bill in Tempe is about $220, reflecting the peak of cooling demand.
Across June, July, and August, Tempe residents typically see monthly electric costs ranging from $180 to $250. Bills can spike higher for larger homes or those with older, less-efficient air conditioning systems. Even with night setbacks and careful thermostat management, summer cooling remains a major expense.
The combination of intense heat and long daylight hours makes it difficult to keep costs down. Compared to the U.S. average electric bill of $122 per month, Tempe summer bills are often double for the same period. Budget-conscious households must prepare for this seasonal increase to avoid billing surprises.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Tempe During the Summer?
Several factors converge to drive Tempe electric bills to their summer peak. The primary culprit is air conditioning, which works overtime to cool homes against outdoor temperatures routinely exceeding 100°F. Older or poorly-insulated homes allow more heat intrusion, forcing A/C systems to run longer cycles.
With sunset occurring after 7:30 pm for much of the summer, Tempe residents keep lights and appliances running later into the evening. Pool pumps, landscape irrigation systems, and extra refrigerator use for cold drinks also contribute to higher electricity consumption. Homes with electric vehicle charging may see an additional bump.
The cumulative effect is a surge in kilowatt-hours (kWh) used per day. While off-peak hours provide some relief, the sheer cooling load and increased activity mean most households can’t avoid a steep uptick in energy expenses. Aging HVAC equipment and ductwork leaks can exacerbate the issue.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To illustrate a typical summer electric bill in Tempe, consider this example for an 1,800 square foot home with average air conditioning use:
| Component | Cost | Percent |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $132 | 60% |
| Appliances | $33 | 15% |
| Water Heating | $22 | 10% |
| Lighting | $22 | 10% |
| Other | $11 | 5% |
| Total | $220 | 100% |
Expect cooling to account for 50–60% of your July energy bill in Tempe. This breakdown assumes a central air conditioner with average efficiency. Older units or homes with inadequate attic insulation may see an even higher share going to cooling.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some increase is inevitable, Tempe residents can take steps to minimize summer utility costs:
- Sign up for a time-of-use plan to access lower off-peak rates
- Install a smart thermostat to automate temperature setbacks
- Have your ductwork inspected and sealed to prevent cooling loss
- Use ceiling fans to supplement A/C and improve circulation
- Add shade screens, films, or landscaping to block solar heat gain
🏆 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 Tempe
Both SRP and APS, the major electric utilities serving Tempe, offer time-of-use (TOU) rate plans. These rates vary based on the time of day and day of the week electricity is used. Customers who can shift usage to off-peak hours can realize significant savings.
On a typical summer weekday, peak hours run from 1 pm to 8 pm, with partial-peak in the morning and late evening. Overnight from 10 pm to 5 am is the lowest-priced off-peak period. Weekends and major holidays are all off-peak. By concentrating energy-intensive activities like laundry, dishwashing, and EV charging during cheaper hours, bills can be reduced.
TOU plans do require some lifestyle adjustments and may not suit every household. However, for flexible Tempe residents willing to make changes, the savings can help offset higher overall summer costs. Pairing TOU with a programmable thermostat is often an effective approach.
Summer Cooling FAQs
How much more are summer electric bills compared to spring in Tempe?
Summer bills are often double the monthly cost of spring bills. A typical July electric bill in Tempe is around $220, while April averages closer to $100.
Does solar power substantially reduce summer energy costs?
Solar can significantly lower electric bills, but most homes still rely on the grid for evening and overnight power. Savings depend on system size and efficiency.
What’s the best thermostat temperature for summer energy savings?
The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat to 78°F while you’re home and a few degrees higher while away. Use fans to feel cooler.
Smart Cooling Prep for Tempe Summers
With average July electric bills in Tempe reaching $220 or more, it pays to be proactive about summer energy use. Expect your costs to be 30-60% higher than the U.S. average. Adopting practices like off-peak scheduling, temperature setbacks, and localized cooling can help keep expenses in check.
For a full picture of utility costs in the Valley of the Sun, read our Tempe Utility Costs Explained guide. The more you know about how your bill breaks down, the better positioned you’ll be to target savings. With smart planning, you can survive summer while keeping your budget intact.