Summer’s Coming—And So Are High Power Bills: What to Know (and Do) in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic

As temperatures rise across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic, so do electricity bills. For many households, summer is the most expensive time of year for power usage—driven primarily by the demand for air conditioning.

In this post, we’ll break down when and why electric bills spike in the summer, which months tend to hit hardest, and what you can do to stay cool without getting scorched by your utility bill.

When Are Summer Power Bills Highest?

In most of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic—including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts—power bills begin to climb in June, peak in July and August, and often remain elevated into early September.

Here’s what to expect:

• June: AC kicks on more regularly, and demand builds as heat waves begin.

• July: Often the most expensive month for electricity. Long, humid stretches drive usage sky-high.

• August: Slightly lower on average than July, but still one of the most costly months.

• September: Demand begins to taper off, but early-month heat can still keep usage high.

Depending on the size of your home, insulation quality, and AC usage, summer electricity bills can rise to $200–$400/month or more—especially in areas with high electricity rates like Con Edison (NYC), Eversource (CT), and PSEG (NJ).

Why It Costs So Much
Most traditional AC systems—central or ductless—depend on energy-intensive compressors and condensers, which work harder as outdoor temperatures rise. The hotter it gets, the more energy your system consumes, and the higher your bill climbs.

What You Can Do About It

Here are a few ways to reduce your cooling costs this summer:

• Use Passive Cooling:
  Open windows at night, close blinds during the day, and use fans to circulate air and reduce perceived heat.

• Maintain Your AC:
  Clean filters and regular service help your system run more efficiently and reduce unnecessary energy waste.

• Consider a Smarter Cooling Solution: Cool Down
  If your home has a basement, you may already have the solution beneath your feet.

  The Cool Down system uses the naturally cool temperatures in your basement—typically around 50°F—to remove heat from your living space and redistribute cooler thermal energy upstairs. It uses no refrigerants, no outdoor units, and minimal power.

  Cool Down installs in just a few hours and can operate as a standalone system or as a powerful energy-saving companion to central AC or mini-splits.

  Field tests in Upstate New York show that Cool Down can reduce AC energy use by as much as 67% per season, while lowering room temperatures by up to 10°F on hot days.

Conclusion
If you live in the Northeast or Mid-Atlantic, your highest electric bills of the year are likely just weeks away. June, July, and August routinely bring steep costs for homeowners trying to stay cool.

Smart habits and good maintenance help—but if you’re looking for a more sustainable, cost-effective way to cool your home, the Cool Down system may be exactly what your summer needs.