Americans Face Record-Breaking Cooling Costs This Summer, Especially When Compounded with San Antonio’s Recent CPS Rate Hikes
As summer 2025 approaches, Americans are bracing for a significant increase in home cooling costs. According to a new analysis by the National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) and the Center for Energy Poverty and Climate, the average household will spend a record $784 to cool their homes from June through September—a 4.2% jump from last year and a 14% increase since 2020.
Regional Disparities in Cooling Costs
The burden won’t be equal. Households in New England and the Midwest face the steepest increases—between 13% and 18%—while some Pacific states may see slight decreases.
In Texas, the impact hits especially hard in cities like San Antonio, where triple-digit heat is arriving earlier and staying longer. San Antonio already broke a 58-year-old heat record this May and is expecting up to 50 days over 100°F. Combined with rising electricity rates and a recent CPS Energy increase, many residents—especially low-income households—are at risk of falling behind on utility bills or going without adequate cooling.
Why It’s Getting Worse
Experts point to a combination of rising electricity prices, hotter-than-average summer forecasts, and stress on regional power grids. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) also warns that extreme heat could cause grid instability and price spikes in the Midwest and Northeast.
Financial Strain and Health Risks
More than 21 million U.S. households are behind on their energy bills, with total utility debt reaching $24 billion. For many, especially seniors and those with health conditions, extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s dangerous.
What You Can Do
Households are encouraged to:
• Install smart thermostats
• Seal and insulate homes
• Utility Assistance in San Antonio
As the heat ramps up, cooling down is becoming a luxury many Americans can no longer afford.
