Here’s how much you may need to pay to stay cool in SC this summer & ways to cut costs
Did you think your electricity bills were high last summer?
They could be even worse this year.
Electricity bills in the U.S. are expected to spike to $784 in total on average for the summer — up 6.2% from $737 last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association and the Center for Energy Poverty, and Climate. It’ll be the highest cost of electricity in at least 12 years. And adjusted for inflation, the increase will be about 4.3% over last year’s prices.
The organization calculated the increase using NOAA temperature data and EIA electric use and price data.
But how much more will South Carolina residents specifically have to pay this summer?
SC summer power bill costs
According to the report, South Carolinians will pay $842 in total cooling costs on average this summer. That’s a 6.3% increase from the $792 residents paid on average last summer.
The predicted South Carolina cost is also 7.4% higher than the expected $784 national average. South Carolinians, however, can at least take solace in the fact that their state won’t have the highest predicted electricity bills this summer. That distinction goes to Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Louisiana, all of which are forecast to have electricity bills of $996 in total on average for the summer.
Why electricity bills are rising in SC
NEADA predicts that prices will rise this summer for two reasons. First, the cost of electricity has risen faster than the average rate of inflation. Second, temperatures have continued to increase, reflecting the ongoing impact of climate change, meaning additional energy will be needed to cool homes.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2024 was the warmest year on record for the U.S.
“The average annual temperature across the contiguous U.S. was 55.5 degrees F — 3.5 degrees above the 20th-century average — ranking as the nation’s warmest year in NOAA’s 130-year climate record,” NOAA states.
For summer 2025 in South Carolina, the NWS Climate Prediction Center calls for a 33% to 40% chance of above-normal temperatures from June through August.
SC summer thermostat setting
Running the air conditioner will always cost money, but setting it too low during the summer could cost you way more than you can afford to spend. Also, turning your AC too low in the summer can really put a strain on the system.
Carolina Comfort recommends homeowners set their thermostats to between 70 and 78 degrees in the summer.
“If you don’t mind digging in your pockets a little deeper, you can keep your AC at 70 degrees every day. If you want to save money, then you’ll start setting your thermostat a little higher,” Carolina Comfort states.
Every degree you increase in that range will save you an extra 3% on your electric bill, the company adds.
Energy saving tips
Dominion Energy has several tips to help South Carolinians save money on their power bills over the summer.
- Check air filters monthly and change when dirty
- Periodically check your ductwork for leaks or tears
- Have your central heating and cooling system serviced annually
- Upgrade your attic insulation to a minimum of R-38 (12-14 inches)
- Caulk, seal and weather-strip around all seams, cracks and openings
- Install a door sweep to seal the gap between the bottom of your door and the threshold
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 6:00 AM.
