There are a few things I wish I had known before moving to Tucson, and one of them is definitely the summer electric bills.

The first time I experienced summer here and received the bill, I couldn't believe my eyes. You can't live without air conditioning, and when you turn it on, the bills skyrocket. This is the reality of summer in Tucson.

The company that supplies electricity in Tucson is Tucson Electric Power (TEP). It is a private electric company regulated by the Arizona Corporation Commission, providing electricity to most homes and businesses in the Tucson area. In some areas, UNS Electric also serves customers. The rate structure varies by season, with summer rates (typically from May to October) set higher than winter rates. The more you use, the higher the unit price due to a tiered structure.

The actual bill can vary significantly based on the size of the home, insulation condition, and air conditioning temperature settings. For a one-bedroom apartment, you can expect to pay between $150 and $250 in the summer months. For a three-bedroom house with lower temperature settings, it's common to exceed $350.

TEP offers a Budget Billing option to help reduce the burden of summer bills, allowing you to spread your estimated annual bill evenly over 12 months. This is useful for those who dislike fluctuations. They also provide many energy-saving tips, with the most effective being to keep the air conditioning set at 78 degrees Fahrenheit (about 26 degrees Celsius) and to use blackout blinds during the day. Using ceiling fans can also help lower the perceived temperature.

Before moving in or finding a home, it's a good idea to check the insulation condition and the age of the air conditioning system. Older air conditioners consume much more electricity. You can apply for services, set up automatic payments, and check usage all on the TEP official website (tep.com), so it's wise to set up an account as soon as you move in. While you can't avoid Tucson's summer electric bills, being informed and prepared can significantly reduce the shock.