If you've opened your latest electric bill and noticed it's higher than expected, the summer weather may be the reason. 
When it's hot, your cooling system has to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Even if your thermostat stays the same, your AC runs longer to remove the heat.
July 2025 saw 364 cooling degree days, compared to the average 266 cooling degree days July usually has. Last year, July only had 243 cooling degree days. It's safe to say, that this is one of the hottest summers we've seen in a while.
What is a Cooling Degree Day?
A cooling degree day (CDD) measures how hot it is over a period of time relative to a base temperature. The base temperature is usually set at 65°F. So, if the average temperature for a day is 80°F, that day would have 15 CDD. The more cooling degree days, the more your air conditioner runs, and the more electricity you use.
Peak Alerts
During July 2025, we experienced seven peak alert days, when demand on the electric grid was at its highest. During these seven days, your air conditioner was probably working a lot harder than usual to keep up with the consistently hot temps.
July 28 and 29 were two of the top five highest demand days so far in 2025 for the PJM grid. While these peaks don't directly raise your bill overnight, they can affect long-term power supply and costs for all co-op members since our rates are based on our top five peak days of the year.
Tips to Save in the Summer Heat
- Set your thermostat to 78 or higher when home, and higher when away
- Use fans to help circulate air
- Close blinds or curtains during the hottest part of the day
- Run major appliances in the early morning or late evening to reduce demand
We understand higher bills are not ideal, but we're committed to helping members find ways to manage their energy use. Visit our energy tips webpage for more tips and tools to help you save.