CEO’s Message – August 2026

When The Temperature Rises, So Can Your Bill

Understanding how summer heat affects your energy use

Summer is one of our favorite times of year. Kids are out of school, families spend more time together and backyard grills get plenty of use. But it’s also when our homes use the most electricity. Every August, we hear from members who are surprised when their electric bill arrives. That’s because the August bill reflects energy use in July, when air conditioners are working their hardest. While it’s easy to wonder if something is wrong, the explanation is usually much simpler: The hotter it gets, the more electricity it takes to keep your home comfortable.

Your air conditioner does the heavy lifting

Your home’s air conditioner is typically the largest user of electricity during the summer. On mild days, it cycles on and off throughout the day. But during stretches of 90-degree temperatures and high humidity, it runs much longer, sometimes almost continuously, to maintain the temperature you’ve selected while also removing moisture from the air.

Several consecutive hot days make cooling even more difficult, as your home’s walls, attic, and furnishings absorb heat, leaving your system with little opportunity to cool your home overnight before the next hot day begins.

Understanding your electric bill

Your electric bill isn’t based on the outdoor temperature; it’s based on how much electricity your home uses. The longer your air conditioner runs, the more kilowatt-hours your home consumes, which increases your bill.

That’s why two homes of similar size can have very different electric bills. Thermostat settings, insulation, shade, the age and efficiency of HVAC equipment, and even daily routines all influence how much electricity a home uses.

Small changes can add up

While no one wants to sacrifice comfort during an Ohio summer, a few simple habits can help reduce energy use. Keep blinds and curtains closed during the hottest part of the day, replace dirty HVAC filters, use ceiling fans to circulate cool air, and avoid using heat-producing appliances during peak afternoon hours. If your cooling system is nearing the end of its life, replacing it with a high-efficiency model can also reduce energy use for years to come.

A reminder about this month’s bill

Last month, I shared that URE is passing savings from our generation provider, Buckeye Power, directly back to members through a temporary Power Cost Adjustment credit. You should have seen that credit on your July bill for June’s energy use, and you’ll see a similar credit on your August bill for July’s energy use.

While that credit helps lower your bill, it’s important to remember that it doesn’t necessarily mean you used less electricity. In fact, many members will likely see some of their highest energy use of the year during July because of the extended stretch of hot, humid weather. Rather than spreading these savings over time, URE is passing them along as we receive them. That’s why it’s still important to keep an eye on your energy usage as the dog days of summer continue and your air conditioner works to keep your home comfortable.

We’re here to help

At URE, we’re committed to providing safe, reliable electricity at the lowest possible cost while helping our members better understand and manage their energy use.

SmartHub allows members to monitor daily energy use and receive usage notifications, making it easier to identify changes before the next bill arrives. We also offer rebates and energy-saving resources to help improve your home’s efficiency and reduce long-term energy costs.

Summer heat is something none of us can control. But understanding how it affects your home’s energy use can help you make informed decisions, avoid surprises on your bill, and stay comfortable all season long.

That’s the cooperative advantage.