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This summer, a brutal mix of rising temperatures and higher electricity rates threatens to be a one-two punch for household budgets.

If climate forecasts are accurate, keeping cool could push electricity costs to an average of $792 between June and September, according to an estimate from the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate. That's up 10% in the last year and 39% since 2020.

Beyond the heat, utilities are contending with higher fuel costs, an aging electrical grid, and a growing demand for power, including from energy-intensive AI data centers. The result: Electric bills that are rising faster than overall inflation.

Thankfully, there's usually some wiggle room with power usage. Try these five practical steps to help you keep your costs down without sacrificing comfort.

1. Turn up the temperature.

You might cringe at this suggestion, but bumping your thermostat up by just a few degrees can help cut your bill. And you can raise the temp even more when you're away from home, then readjust once you're back. (Or better yet, finally figure out how to program your thermostat.)

•   Changing your thermostat 7-10 degrees for 8 hours a day can save you as much as 10% a year on heating and cooling, according to the Department of Energy.

•   Many AC units can only cool your home by about 20 degrees compared to the outdoor temperature. So if it's 100 out, setting your thermostat to 70 probably won't get you there and will just waste energy.

•   A dirty filter or poorly sealed window unit can cause your AC to run inefficiently. Check for gaps or holes around window AC units and make sure filters are cleaned or replaced regularly.

2. Don't let the light in.

We're often told to let the sunshine in, but during the summer, living like Dracula (minus the coffin) can pay off. Sunlight might brighten your space, but it also significantly heats it. During the hottest parts of the day, keeping your curtains or shades closed can make a surprising difference in how hard your AC has to work.

•   Blackout curtains or thermal shades can be super helpful, especially on south- or west-facing windows.

•   You can also apply temporary window film or heat-reflective inserts if you're in a rental and can't make major changes. Think of it as sunscreen for your space.

3. Shop around for electricity.

If you live in a state with a deregulated energy market – check this list to find out — you may be able to choose your electricity supplier and possibly get a better rate. Some electricity companies also offer "time of use" plans — lower rates for using AC and appliances during off-peak hours. So if you're game for doing laundry between midnight and 8 a.m, that could help too.

4. Cut the current when you can.

When the weather's milder — like in the morning or evening — consider switching from AC to fans. Ceiling and floor fans use a small fraction of the energy an air conditioner does, and the wind effect can make you feel cooler. And while you're at it, unplug "vampire electronics" that drain electricity even when not being used, like chargers, microwaves, and game consoles. Use power strips to make it easier to flip everything off at once.

5. Cool off on someone else's bill.

If you're working remotely or just hanging out at home during the day, consider spending time in public places that are already paying to keep the AC running. Think: libraries, cafes, museums, and movie theaters. This can help you slash the number of hours your home AC is running. You'll not only save money, but you might also discover a new favorite spot in your community.

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