The weather forecast says the heat is here with more coming, and so is the next electric bill. It’s not news that summer in Pennsylvania brings more than sunburn and long evenings — it brings a jump in energy costs that has a habit of sneaking up on households across Mifflin County and beyond.

Every year, air conditioners switch on, fans start humming, and the meters outside our homes spin faster. If you’ve glanced at your bill and wondered how it got so high, you’re not alone.

Over the past five years, electric costs in Pennsylvania have taken a steady, stubborn climb. Last summer, the average residential rate was about 13.8 cents per kilowatt-hour. This summer, the number is poised to go even higher, with many households expecting a 10-20% increase on their bills.

Capacity costs — fees paid to power generators to keep the grid running during peak demand — are the main culprit. You’re not only paying for what you use, but for the promise that power will be there when everyone cranks up the AC at once. The average bill in Pennsylvania is now hovering around $151 per month, and for many, that number climbs when the heat sets in.

But here’s the good news: your summer bill doesn’t have to spiral out of control. Utility companies like Penelec, UGI, and FirstEnergy are pushing a simple message — control what you can, when you can. A few practical steps can help you keep cool and cut costs.

Some methods are old standbys: raise the thermostat a notch or two, use fans to circulate air, and keep sun-facing curtains drawn tight. Others take more planning. Run appliances like dishwashers and washing machines at night, when the grid is less taxed. Consider outdoor grilling instead of heating the kitchen with the oven. Simple steps, but together they blunt the impact of summer’s heat on both comfort and budget.

It’s worth repeating: every degree counts. Setting your thermostat a few degrees higher than you’d like — say, from 72 to 76 — can translate to real savings over the month. If you’re leaving home for the day, raise the temperature and let the house coast until you return.

When it’s time to upgrade, look for ENERGY STAR appliances and modern, efficient air conditioners. Weather stripping or foam insulation around doors and windows can pay for itself in a season, preventing cool air from leaking out and hot air from seeping in.

Airflow is your friend. Ceiling and box fans don’t actually lower the room temperature, but they help you feel cooler at a higher setting. Close off vents and doors to unused rooms. If you have window units, run them only when the space is occupied. Clean or replace air conditioning filters regularly; a clogged filter can make your system work twice as hard.

The list of practical actions goes on: unplug electronics and chargers when not in use — many draw a trickle of power even when off. Take advantage of utility programs that offer home energy audits, rebates, or flexible billing options. FirstEnergy, for example, highlights budget billing and payment assistance for people who qualify. These programs can help smooth out seasonal spikes so a single hot month doesn’t derail a family’s finances.

While technology and tactics can help trim kilowatts, there’s a human side to surviving summer heat. UGI and public health officials warn that heat waves are more than uncomfortable — they can be dangerous, especially for the elderly, infants, and those with chronic health conditions.

Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Check on neighbors. Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute. The tips that keep your bill down — like closing blinds and running fans — also help keep your home a safe refuge when temperatures outside turn hazardous.

A glance at the last five years shows a stubborn trend: electric bills are going up and will likely keep going up. The reasons are bigger than any single household–fuel costs, grid investments, and climate trends all play a role. But the response starts at home.

The summer surge in energy use doesn’t have to be an inevitability. With a smart plan and vigilance, households can stay comfortable, protect their wallets, and weather the season’s worst heat with fewer surprises in the mailbox.

Keeping cool is a mix of old-fashioned practicality and new awareness. This summer, don’t surrender to the electric bill. Instead, read it as a call to action — a reminder that even in the hottest months, you have choices. Your home doesn’t have to be an oven, and your wallet doesn’t have to take the hit. Stay sharp, stay cool, and make this summer the season you took charge.