Get ready for summer!
Learn how rising temperatures can impact your bill and explore tips and tools to help you manage your energy use.
How the warm weather affects your electricity use
Manage your energy use and bill
Tips to reduce your energy usage
Summer safety tips
How the warm weather impacts your energy use
High temperatures may increase your electricity use, which can have a major effect on your energy bill. Understand how it happens:
Hot weather makes your air conditioner run longer to maintain a comfortable temperature, which raises electricity use. Your refrigerator and freezer also tend to use more energy in warmer weather.
Your cooling system may be the reason you are using more energy. Older equipment or poorly maintained systems consume more energy. Check out our rebates to see if it’s worth upgrading your system.
During the summer months, we usually use more appliances like fans and pool pumps. This can have a big effect on your energy use, which reflects on your bill. Understand your needs and use your appliances wisely.
The Department of Energy states clogged filters or vents force systems to work up to 15% harder. Clean your filter monthly and vents once a year. It can also help with those annoying allergies!
Poor insulation lets hot air in and cool air out, increasing energy use. Check your home for air leaks and seal them.
During spring and summer, the humidity is usually higher. Dehumidifiers work longer to remove moisture from the air, which increases energy use.
People tend to stay at home more during summer breaks or vacations, leading to higher use of electricity for electronics, lighting and appliances. The good news: spending more time outdoors can also help reduce your energy use.
Manage your energy use and bill
Use our tools to help you track your usage and manage your energy bill, so you can make smart decisions all summer long.
Energy Analyzer
Energy Analyzer is your go-to tool for precise energy tracking. Monitor your use by the day, see the effects of weather and understand how your appliances impact your bill.
Budget Billing
Enroll in Budget Billing to balance your energy costs throughout the year and avoid surprises during summer.
Tips to reduce energy use
A few adjustments in your routine can make a big difference.
According to the DOE, you should set your air conditioning to 75° or higher during the warm season. You can save as much as 10% a year on cooling by simply turning your thermostat back 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day from its normal setting.
Whenever you’re not home, raise the temperature, unless you have a heat pump. With a programmable thermostat, you can do it anytime and anywhere. Explore options on our Smart Solutions page.
Poorly sealed ductwork allows conditioned air to leak, wasting energy and increasing cooling costs. Look for and seal any leaks in your ductwork, and check out our Home Energy Solutions service for tips.
Seal air leaks in your home with simple DIY fixes from our Smart Solutions or sign up for a low-cost home energy audit GetEnergySmart.com.
Close air conditioning vents in rooms you’re not using during the season. Keep your cool air where you actually need it.
Newer, high-efficiency systems use less energy and can lower your cooling costs. Explore expert recommendations through our Home Energy Solutions program.
Open curtains in the morning or later in the day to use natural light without adding heat. During the hottest hours, keep curtains closed—especially on west- and south-facing windows—to block heat and reduce cooling costs. Consider thermal or reflective curtains that reduce heat gain while still allowing some light.
If you are not in the room, turn off fans and while you’re at it, the same goes for lights!
Opening the fridge or freezer door for long periods lets all the cold air escape, making it work longer to maintain temperatures. Decide what you need before opening the door. Same goes for the oven—use the window instead of opening the door all the time!
Letting your laundry air-dry on a clothesline or drying rack uses zero electricity and reduces wear and tear on your clothes. It’s an easy way to cut down on energy use!
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Pro-tip: We'll make it easy
If you'd like us to visit your home and explore ways to help you save, check out our Home Energy Solutions service.
How can we help?
Managing a higher bill during summer can be challenging and we understand that. Visit our Help with Bill page and check the programs available for our Connecticut customers.
Are you also a SCG customer?
Explore our summer energy and safety tips for natural gas customers at soconngas.com
Summer safety tips
From thunderstorms to digging, learn what to do to keep you and your family safe.
Planning to remodel or plant trees this summer? You could risk hitting underground utility lines. Always contact Call Before You Dig before work begins so underground utilities can be safely located and marked.
Keep a safe distance from power lines and never touch cables with any part of your body. This includes activities like trimming trees, flying drones or kites, and setting off fireworks.
Never use electrical cords or devices near water. For pools or hot tubs, make sure all electrical connections are properly grounded. Install ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlets near water to help prevent electric shock.
Summer use often means more devices plugged in. Avoid overloading outlets by spreading out your devices and using power strips with surge protection.
Only use electrical devices and extension cords labeled for outdoor use. These are designed to handle moisture and heat. When possible, choose battery-powered tools to reduce risk.
Stay away from objects that conduct electricity, like metal fences. If you see a downed power line, stay away and call 911 or 800.722.5584.
In case of flooding:
- Stay out of flooded basements! Energized wiring or outlets below the water line may pose a hazard.
- Contact us to have electricity service turned off. You should never attempt to turn off electricity service yourself.
- Once flood waters have receded, it’s important you first work with an electrician and/or plumbing and heating contractor to have your equipment checked, repaired and ensure it’s safe. Depending on the electrical equipment impacted by flooding, an inspection by a certified electrical inspector may be required before service can be restored.
Vacation mode: on
Enjoy your summer worry-free with our digital tools
eBill
Enroll in our paperless eBill service to receive your bill online. You get your bill even if you are in your summer haven!
AutoPay
Don’t worry about payments. With AutoPay, you can focus on what’s important: free time with your loved ones.
Mobile App
Check your bill, make payments, report outages anytime and anywhere with our Mobile App.