It will cost a lot to keep your home cool this summer. The National Energy Assistance Director Association predicts that Americans will pay an average of $719 between June and September.
According to a NEADA report, this summer could be disastrous consequences for families across Texas.
Here’s why.
Summer Electric Bills for Texas
Residents in the Midwest-South region, which includes Texas, Louisiana, Arkansas and Oklahoma, could face an energy bill of up to $858 this summer, a difference of $15, according to NEADA. compared to last summer.
The region has the highest average electricity bill estimate compared to other regions in the country.
No air conditioning for low-income families
The NEADA report points out that many low-income families may not be able to afford air conditioning in their homes. Some families have their electricity cut off because they cannot pay their energy bill and because their house is too hot to live in.
Others try to get by on hot days by opening their windows, taking a cool shower, and hoping the air outside cools down at night. But with warmer temperatures and dangerous outside air, opening a window can make the problem worse.
More: Heat-related illnesses increase in Austin amid climate change, officials say
Energy bill debt is increasing across the country
Summer cooling bills pile up after a winter of expensive heating. The amount people owe to their utilities increased from $17.5 billion in January 2023 to $20.3 billion in December 2023. According to NEADA, about 16% of U.S. households, or about 21.2 million, are late in paying their energy bills.
Beat the Texas Heat: What is the best temperature to set your air conditioner thermostat?
What can Texans do to save on their energy bills?
Summer is going to be hot. People are always looking for ways to get around high energy bills. Here are a few tips.
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Set your thermostat higher in summer and lower in winter.
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Use energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs.
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Seal drafts around windows and doors to prevent air leaks.
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Keep blinds or curtains closed on hot summer days to block sunlight.
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Use ceiling fans to circulate air and reduce the need for air conditioning.
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Consider investing in solar panels or other renewable energy sources.
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Sign up for energy conservation programs offered by your utility company.
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Unplug electronics and appliances when not in use to avoid wasting energy.
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Wash clothes in cold water and air dry them when possible to save energy used by your dryer.
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Use programmable thermostats to automatically adjust temperature settings when you’re away from home.
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texans can expect to pay up to $858 in energy bills this summer: report
