When the Johnsons opened their July electric bill, they were shocked. After moving from a cooler climate to Westminster last year, their first full summer in Colorado was an eye-opener. Despite setting the thermostat to 78°F, their cooling costs alone topped $200 for the month. Sound familiar? Summer energy bills in Westminster can catch even long-time residents off guard.
With abundant sunshine, triple-digit heat waves, and homes built before modern efficiency standards, Westminster residents often see their electric bills double or even triple in July and August compared to spring months. If you’re budgeting for summer utilities or looking to reduce your costs, here’s what you need to know.
What Summer Power Costs Look Like in Westminster
While every home’s energy use is different, Westminster residents can expect their electric bills to rise significantly in summer months due to air conditioning. Based on local utility data, the average July electric bill in Westminster is about $180, compared to around $90 in May.
Keep in mind, that’s just an average. Larger homes, older construction, inefficient cooling systems, and personal temperature preferences can push bills even higher. It’s not uncommon for cooling costs alone to reach $300 or more during peak summer heat.
Across June, July, and August, summer energy bills in Westminster average about $450 total for a typical single-family home, with July being the most expensive month. But cooling is just one part of the equation.
Why Are Energy Bills So High in Westminster During the Summer?
Several factors contribute to high summer electric bills in Westminster. First and foremost is the intense cooling demand. With average July highs around 90°F and record temps over 100°F, air conditioners and heat pumps work overtime to keep homes comfortable.
Many Westminster homes have older HVAC systems and insulation, making them less efficient to cool. Leaky ducts, drafty windows, and heat gain from appliances can force cooling systems to run longer. And with the sun up before 6 am and setting after 8 pm in July, there are simply more hours in the day to heat things up.
Secondary summer expenses like pool pumps, landscape irrigation systems, and extra loads of laundry can also nudge bills higher. In homes with electric water heaters, warm showers after a dip in the pool add to cooling costs. Even electric vehicle charging can make a noticeable impact in summer months.
Sample Monthly Bill Breakdown
To put Westminster’s summer energy costs in perspective, here’s how a typical July electric bill might break down:
| Category | Cost | Percent of Bill |
|---|---|---|
| Cooling | $108 | 60% |
| Appliances | $27 | 15% |
| Water Heating | $18 | 10% |
| Lighting | $18 | 10% |
| Other | $9 | 5% |
Based on an 1,800 sq ft home with average A/C use and electric appliances.
As you can see, cooling accounts for about 60% of a typical July electric bill in Westminster. So any steps to improve your home’s cooling efficiency will have an outsized impact on summer energy costs.
Ways to Lower Summer Energy Bills
While some summer energy expense is unavoidable, Westminster residents have several options to reduce cooling costs:
- Sign up for a time-of-use billing plan to access lower off-peak and weekend rates
- Install a smart thermostat to automate temperature settings and save energy
- Have your ducts inspected and sealed to improve cooling efficiency
- Add shade screens, awnings, or landscaping to block solar heat gain
- Use ceiling fans to help air feel cooler so you can set the thermostat a few degrees higher
🏆 Energy Tip: Set your thermostat to 78°F during the day and use ceiling fans to stay comfortable. Every degree above 72°F can save 3-5% on cooling costs.
Time-of-Use Pricing in Westminster
Both Xcel Energy and United Power, Westminster’s main electric providers, offer optional time-of-use (TOU) pricing. Under these plans, energy rates vary based on the time of day and day of the week.
During summer peak hours (typically weekday afternoons), electricity rates are higher. But in mornings, evenings, and on weekends, off-peak rates can be 30% lower or more. For households that can shift energy use to off-peak times, TOU billing can help lower summer bills.
Summer Cooling FAQs
Q: How much higher are summer electric bills compared to spring?
A: In Westminster, July bills are often double what they are in May. Plan for cooling costs to raise your bill by $90 to $200+ per month in summer.
Q: Does solar help with summer energy costs?
A: Yes, a appropriately sized solar system can offset a significant portion of summer bills. With TOU rates, extra daytime solar production can be especially valuable.
Q: What’s the best thermostat temp for summer savings?
A: Aim to set your thermostat to 78°F when you’re home and a few degrees warmer at night or when away. Use fans, shades, and light clothing to stay comfortable.
Smart Cooling Prep for Westminster Summers
With summer energy bills in Westminster averaging around $450 and often topping $500 for larger or less efficient homes, it pays to plan ahead. Expect your July electric bill to be $150 to $300, with cooling accounting for more than half of that.
To minimize summer energy expenses, take advantage of off-peak rates, maintain your cooling system, and look for efficiency upgrades. Even small changes like raising the thermostat a degree or two and using fans can add up to noteworthy savings.
Most importantly, don’t be caught off guard when your July bill arrives. By budgeting for seasonal spikes and making your home cooling costs a priority, you can keep your summer energy expenses under control. For a full breakdown of utility costs in Westminster, check out our Westminster Utility Costs Explained guide.