Summer began not as expected. Instead of sweating over the Memorial Day holiday, we clung to sweatshirts – until July. Swift temperature changes came, leaving many to settle for air conditioning and time indoors. As temperatures each week looked different, you might have noticed something else that changed: your energy use.

Changes in energy use are commonly caused by weather. When temperatures fall to single digits in the winter or soar to triple digits in the summer, our homes work harder to keep up. And with that hard work in extreme weather comes higher energy use.

The last week of July, for example, saw extreme heat and humidity throughout Indiana Michigan Power’s (I&M) service areas. These conditions made any outdoor work or activity feel significantly harder, as high heat can drastically impact anyone. The same goes for the systems and devices within your home. As the air temperature outside is sweltering, the desired indoor temperature is cool and comfortable. To achieve this, your air conditioning unit will need to run longer and more frequently. And with more time likely spent inside, increased use of lights, appliances and electronics may contribute to added energy use.

During that week, customers might have noticed a spike in energy usage on their I&M account which might have looked different compared to previous weeks. Each month can have different conditions, like the beginning of July was mild but the last couple weeks were extremely hot. This makes energy use look like waves, likely lower during the mild weeks and higher during the extreme heat - especially if you heavily rely on heating or cooling systems for several weeks. To see how that energy use changes overtime, customers can compare each month’s energy use for their account, or the Usage History (kWh) section of your bill.

Also see: Understanding What Goes Into Your Monthly I&M Bill

Since July’s extreme heat impacted a large portion of the country, demand for energy was likely higher than in other months this year. With extended, frequent use of air conditioning units, appliances and electronics, the now increased demand for electricity can push higher energy prices. This happens when energy demand rises toward the available supply.

While we can’t predict how each season’s weather will look, there are ways to prepare and stay informed. To determine the most accurate energy information for your home, a home energy profile should be completed. Through a series of questions, including source of your home’s heat, size of home, type of air conditioning unit and typical thermostat settings, a complete personal profile will be created to match your unique home.

Upon completion of the home energy profile, your usage is broken down to highlight where energy is being used most, such as laundry or electronics. Further, you can see when those peaks occur and how your home compares to others with similar qualities. 

Homes with a smart meter can also receive weekly reports, outlining energy usage and available energy programs. Homeowners can customize the notifications they most want to receive.

For even more details on the rates for your state, visit IndianaMichiganPower.com/Rates.