Why Is My APS Electric Bill So High This Month?

Published: July 25, 2025

If you’re a homeowner in Chandler, Paradise Valley, or Buckeye and you’ve been shocked by your recent APS bill, you’re not alone. Many Arizona residents are experiencing significant increases in their monthly electricity costs, with some bills reaching $700 or more during peak summer months. Understanding the factors driving these high costs can help you take control of your energy expenses and reduce your monthly payments.

Arizona Public Service (APS) customers across the Valley have been facing unprecedented electricity bills, particularly during the scorching summer months when air conditioning usage peaks. The combination of rate increases, time-of-use pricing structures, and seasonal demand creates a perfect storm for high energy costs.

Understanding APS Rate Increases and Current Pricing

APS recently received approval for an 8% rate increase, directly impacting monthly bills across their service territory. This rate hike affects all customers regardless of their usage patterns or rate plan selection.

The utility company operates under a regulated structure where rate increases must be approved by the Arizona Corporation Commission. These increases typically occur to cover infrastructure improvements, grid modernization, and rising operational costs associated with maintaining reliable service during extreme weather events.

For homeowners in Chandler, Paradise Valley, and Buckeye, this rate increase translates to higher baseline costs before factoring in usage patterns or seasonal variations. Understanding these base rate changes helps explain why bills may appear higher even with similar usage patterns compared to previous years.

Time-of-Use Rates: The Peak Hour Challenge

The most significant factor driving high APS bills is the time-of-use rate structure, particularly during peak hours from 3 PM to 8 PM on weekdays. During these hours, electricity rates can be more than double the off-peak rates.

Peak Hour Rate Comparison

Different APS rate plans offer varying peak and off-peak pricing:

Saver Choice: $0.24 per kWh during peak hours, $0.11 per kWh off-peak

Saver Choice Plus: $0.13 per kWh during peak hours plus demand charges, $0.05 per kWh off-peak

Saver Choice Max: $0.09 per kWh during peak hours plus higher demand charges, $0.05 per kWh off-peak

The dramatic difference between peak and off-peak rates means that running your air conditioner during afternoon hours can cost significantly more than identical usage during nighttime or early morning hours.

Major Peak Hour Energy Users

Several home systems and appliances contribute most heavily to peak-hour energy consumption:

Air Conditioning Systems: The primary culprit for high summer bills, especially when multiple units operate simultaneously during peak hours.

Pool Pumps: Often programmed to run during afternoon hours for optimal pool maintenance, but this timing coincides with the most expensive electricity rates.

Water Heaters: Traditional tank systems that heat water during peak hours can add substantial costs to monthly bills.

Recirculation Pumps: Frequently left running 24/7, these systems push hot water throughout the home and consume significant energy during expensive peak periods.

Seasonal Impact on Energy Consumption for Arizona Residents

Arizona’s extreme seasonal temperature variations create dramatic swings in energy consumption and associated costs. Summer months present the greatest challenge for homeowners trying to manage electricity expenses.

Summer Usage Patterns

During Arizona’s brutal summer months, when temperatures exceed 115°F for extended periods, air conditioning systems work overtime to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures. This increased demand occurs precisely when APS implements its highest rates and peak-hour pricing.

Homeowners in Chandler, Paradise Valley, and Buckeye experience particularly intense heat due to urban heat island effects and desert climate conditions. The sustained high temperatures mean air conditioning systems rarely cycle off during daylight hours, leading to continuous energy consumption during the most expensive rate periods.

Winter vs. Summer Cost Variations

The difference between summer and winter electricity bills can be substantial. While winter bills might range from $100-200 for a typical 2,000 square foot home, summer bills can easily exceed $400-700 for the same property with identical usage patterns outside of air conditioning.

This seasonal variation is primarily driven by cooling load requirements rather than rate changes, though some rate plans do implement seasonal pricing adjustments that further increase summer costs.

Home Efficiency Factors Affecting Your APS Bill

Beyond rate structures and seasonal variations, several home-related factors significantly impact electricity consumption and monthly costs.

Insulation and Building Envelope Issues

Inadequate insulation forces air conditioning systems to work harder and run longer to maintain desired temperatures. Homes built before 1990 often have insufficient insulation levels by current standards, leading to increased energy consumption.

Common insulation problems include:

• Missing or displaced fiberglass batts in attics
• Inadequate R-values for Arizona’s climate
• Thermal bridging through structural elements
• Air leaks around penetrations and connections

Ductwork Problems and Air Leakage

Faulty ductwork can account for 20-30% of a home’s energy loss, according to industry studies. Older homes, particularly those over 20 years old, frequently suffer from ductwork issues that drive up electricity consumption.

Common ductwork problems include:

• Disconnected or damaged ducts hidden behind insulation
• Improper sealing at connections and joints
• Undersized or oversized ductwork for the home’s cooling load
• Ducts located in unconditioned spaces like attics

HVAC System Efficiency and Maintenance

Air conditioning system efficiency directly impacts energy consumption and monthly bills. While newer systems offer improved efficiency ratings, proper maintenance and operation practices often provide greater savings than equipment upgrades alone.

Key HVAC factors affecting energy costs:

• Dirty or clogged air filters restrict airflow
• Refrigerant leaks reduce cooling efficiency
• Improperly calibrated thermostats
• Oversized or undersized equipment for the home’s cooling load

Practical Strategies to Reduce Your APS Bill

Implementing targeted strategies can significantly reduce monthly electricity costs without sacrificing comfort during Arizona’s extreme temperatures.

Super Cooling Strategy

Super cooling involves pre-cooling your home during off-peak hours (8 PM to 3 PM) to 70-72°F, then allowing temperatures to rise to 80-84°F during peak hours (3 PM to 8 PM). This strategy can reduce energy costs by 60% or more by shifting consumption to lower-rate periods.

The thermal mass of your home’s structure, furniture, and building materials helps maintain cooler temperatures during peak hours even when the air conditioning system cycles off or runs less frequently.

Optimizing Major Appliances

Pool Pump Scheduling: Program pool pumps to operate during off-peak hours, typically late evening through early morning. Variable speed pumps offer additional savings by operating at lower speeds for longer periods.

Water Heater Management: Install timer controls to prevent water heaters from operating during peak hours, or consider upgrading to hybrid heat pump water heaters that operate more efficiently.

Recirculation Pump Controls: Install timers or smart controls to limit recirculation pump operation to essential hours, avoiding peak-rate periods entirely.

Rate Plan Optimization

Selecting the appropriate APS rate plan for your usage patterns can provide substantial savings. Customers who can consistently avoid peak-hour usage benefit most from time-of-use plans with the greatest differential between peak and off-peak rates.

Consider these factors when selecting a rate plan:

• Your ability to shift usage away from peak hours
• Total monthly energy consumption levels
• Number of people in the household and their schedules
• Flexibility in adjusting thermostat settings

When to Consider a Professional Energy Assessment

While many energy-saving strategies can be implemented independently, some situations warrant professional evaluation to identify the most cost-effective improvements.

Signs You Need Professional Help

Consider scheduling an energy audit if you experience:

• Bills exceeding $100 per 1,000 square feet of living space
• Significant temperature variations between rooms
• Inability to maintain comfortable temperatures despite high energy usage
• Dramatic increases in bills without corresponding usage changes

Professional Solutions and Improvements

Energy auditors can identify specific issues affecting your home’s efficiency and recommend targeted improvements. Common professional recommendations include:

• Ductwork sealing and repair services
• Insulation upgrades and installation
• HVAC system optimization and maintenance
• Smart thermostat installation and programming

Take Control of Your Energy Costs

High APS bills don’t have to be an inevitable part of living in Arizona’s desert climate. By understanding rate structures, implementing usage optimization strategies, and addressing home efficiency issues, homeowners in Chandler, Paradise Valley, and Buckeye can significantly reduce their monthly electricity expenses.

Start with simple changes like adjusting your thermostat schedule and optimizing appliance operation times. For homes with persistent high bills or comfort issues, consider a professional energy assessment to identify the most impactful improvements for your specific situation.