Summer means hot weather and higher electricity bills, but there’s a simple trick that can help you save up to $128 this season. The summer season starts with the summer solstice, which happens on June 20 or 21 and lasts until mid-September. During this time, temperatures rise and more people use air conditioners and cooling devices, which pushes electricity prices up.
Electric companies need to produce more power to meet the demand, so they often raise prices. This summer, home electricity prices are expected to hit a 12-year high, increasing by about 6% compared to last year. On average, Americans could pay $784 for electricity this summer, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association. They warn that cooling homes will cost more than ever this year.
How to Beat High Energy Costs with Nighttime Savings
The good news is there are energy programs that can help you save money. For example, Amigo Energy offers a “Nights Free Plan.” This plan gives customers free electricity from 9 pm to 7 am every day while charging a fixed rate during the day. This means you can get up to 70 hours of free electricity each week.
To make the most of this plan, try running your big appliances—like the dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer—at night. Using timers can make this easier by starting these machines automatically during the free hours. Also, using a smart thermostat to adjust your air conditioning during these times can increase your savings.
How Much Can You Save?
In Texas, where the average electricity rate is 15.3 cents per kilowatt-hour, customers on the Nights Free Plan could save about $10.71 every week by using one kilowatt-hour during each free hour. That adds up to around $42.82 per month. Over the three-month summer season, this could total a savings of $128.52 just by shifting your electricity use to the free nighttime hours.
This plan works well for night owls, people who work late, and large families who have many chores and appliances to run. By focusing appliance use during free hours, these households can cut their bills significantly.
Extra Tips to Save Even More This Summer
Besides timing your electricity use, there are other ways to save money. For example, a small switch on your ceiling fan can help save about $38 per month when temperatures rise. Also, simple changes around your home can save you up to $605 on energy bills starting this summer.
With a little planning and smart use of energy-saving programs, you can enjoy a cooler summer without hurting your wallet.
