Lowering electric bill for summer months

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Air conditioning can be a life-saver in the summer heat, but can also cost a fortune.

Peak summer months run from May to September in the desert southwest.

Regina Twomey, Community Affairs Manager for Yuma County Arizona Public Service (APS), says there is roughly a 70% increase in bills during the summer months.

APS offers a plan called budget billing for residents that have been with APS for one year. It takes the yearly average and evenly disperses the amount throughout the year.

"Let's say, in December where you would normally only pay $50, you might pay $100, but in the summer, you'll also be paying that hundred dollars," Twomey said.

There are many ways to cut costs of electric bills while still staying cool.

This includes unplugging everything in your house that is not in use. Shutting curtains or blinds can reduce the amount of heat entering the house, which will limit the air conditioner use.

Jennifer Slaughter, Sales Manager at Yuma Solar, says solar is about a 7 1/2 year investment that will pay off in the long run.

"With solar, the idea is that you're trying to generate enough kilowatt hours to cover what your home uses in an annual basis," Slaughter said. "So, what we're trying to do is we're trying to get you down to where you just have the basic hookup use with APS."

Switching to energy efficient light bulbs can also limit electricity use.

Tune in at 4 p.m. for a full report on 13 On Your Side.