If you’re a Floridian who’s cranking up the air-conditioning to get through yet another sweltering summer, you’re probably feeling a little anxious about your electricity bill.
And you’re not alone. A recent CNET survey found that 78% of Americans are worried about rising home energy costs. Floridians generally pay more for electricity than the average American. However, this is a bit counterintuitive. Electricity rates in Florida are below the national average, but Florida residents use more power each month, resulting in higher bills.
Daniel Massaad, CEO of Florida contractor Guardian Home, said this is the most common thing he hears from clients: “My electric bill is high, what can I do about this?”
Well, you have some options. Whether you’re ready to invest in big energy efficiency projects like solar panels, or just want to trim your monthly bill a bit, experts have advice for how to help you save on energy costs.
Here’s what you need to know about lowering your electric bill in Florida.
What’s the average electricity bill in Florida?
Technically speaking, the cost of electricity in Florida is cheaper than the national average. In fact, electricity rates in Florida are almost half of what they are in some New England states.
But that doesn’t translate to lower bills. This is because Floridians (on average) consume more electricity than residents in other states — almost double some New Englanders, for example.
Electricity usage and bills are not static every month. Florida residents tend to use more power when they’re blasting the AC during hotter months, and less power when the weather cools off. The table below shows the average electric bill in Florida in 2022, according to data from the Energy Information Administration:
Average electric bill in Florida vs. the US
| Average electricity price (in cents per kilowatt-hour) | Average monthly usage (kWh) | Average electric bill | |
| Florida | 13.9 | 1,111 | $154.51 |
| United States | 15.04 | 899 | $135.25 |
Getting solar panels in Florida
If you’re ready to start chopping down your electricity bill in Florida, the Sunshine State’s namesake will give you a big boost: Installing solar panels on your roof can help reduce your reliance on your utility company and could even earn you money by selling any excess electricity you generate to the grid.
“You’re producing power, which is generating you credits from the utility company,” Massaad says. This is called net-metering, and Massaad claims most utility companies in Florida have favorable net-metering policies that can generate a significant amount of bill credits for you. Floridians are compensated at the full retail rate (the price your utility charges for electricity) for the excess electricity sold to electric utilities.
You can start by getting estimates from a few local solar installers. Make sure to check out online reviews, look for licenses and certifications and choose a contractor who you feel comfortable working with. Make sure to ask any questions you might have about the process, like system financing and installation. If your installer can’t answer your questions, that’s a red flag. You should also ask your installer about any solar incentives you may qualify for.
Electric bill assistance in Florida
You don’t need to invest in a big project like solar to lower your electricity bill. Florida has several programs available that can help offset your energy costs. These are some options:
- The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is open to residents who make no more than 60% of the Florida state median income. You can find your local agency and apply for the program here.
- The Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program is open to households with at least one member who is over the age of 60, and who falls below certain income limits. The program can help with bill payments and offers things like blankets, portable heaters and fans.
- Tampa Electric offers bill payment assistance to some of its customers through a program called Share, which is administered by the Salvation Army and the Catholic Charities Diocese of St. Petersburg.
- Other utility providers in the state may also offer bill assistance. Contact your local utility company to find out what’s available.
- If you can’t make a payment on time, payment extensions are also available from some utility companies. Check with your utility and ask what they offer.
Energy-saving tips for Floridians
The most obvious way to reduce your energy bill is to reduce the amount of energy you use in the first place. Even little changes like adjusting your thermostat and unplugging certain electronics when you’re not using them can make a difference. Here are a few ways you can cut back on your electricity consumption.
Set your thermostat to the right temperature
One of the easiest things you can do to cut your AC costs is to simply adjust your thermostat. Just set it to a higher temperature when no one is home, and then bump it down when you get back. Adjusting your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees from your normal setting for 8 hours a day can save up to 10% a year.
Change your AC filter
Believe it or not, you need to change your AC filter about once every three months. And doing so can help cut back on the amount of energy your AC uses to cool your home. One estimate suggests that a clean filter can reduce how much energy your AC uses by 5 to 15%.
Get a fan going
This is a simple trick, but it’s worth trying. Cross-ventilation with fans and AC can help relieve some of the strain on your HVAC system. The less your HVAC needs to work, the less power it’s going to use and the lower your bill.
Unplug ‘energy vampires’
Big electronics like your TV, computer, printer or coffee maker drain energy from your home even when you’re not using them. These are called energy vampires. The US Department of Energy estimates you can save $100 to $200 a year by unplugging these items when they’re not in use.
Think about energy efficiency upgrades
Solar isn’t the only big-ticket energy improvement. Massaad says investing in better insulation, as well as new windows, can make a huge dent in how much energy you use to cool and heat your home. You could also install a smart thermostat to help optimize your home’s heating and cooling.