I remember being shocked when I received my electricity bill while spending my first summer in Riverside.

I had heard that summers in this area are hot, but running the air conditioner all day really increased my electricity usage. From that point on, I started paying close attention to my electricity bills. If you're moving to Riverside, be sure to factor in summer electricity costs along with rent and other expenses.

First of all, electricity in Riverside is supplied by Riverside Public Utilities, or RPU for short. This is a bit different from surrounding cities. Many areas in California use Southern California Edison, SCE, but Riverside has its own municipal power company.

One advantage of RPU is that electricity rates are often relatively lower compared to large private power companies in the area. This can be a subtle benefit when looking for a home in Riverside. While changing power companies isn't as simple as moving a few blocks, it's good to check utility providers by address, as they can change once you leave the city limits.

The problem is definitely summer. Riverside's temperatures are different from coastal LA. In July and August, there are days when temperatures exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit, making it hard to endure without air conditioning. Especially in older single-family homes that receive direct afternoon sunlight, the air conditioning runs constantly.

For a typical household with 2-3 bedrooms, summer electricity bills can exceed $200-$350 a month, depending on the size of the home, insulation, age of the air conditioner, and set temperature. In larger single-family homes, if you set the temperature low and run the cooling all day, the bill will naturally be higher. Conversely, if you have a well-insulated new home with a high-efficiency air conditioner, the difference can be significant even in similarly sized homes.

Therefore, when renting a home, I believe it's not enough to just confirm that there is an air conditioner. It's also important to know how old the air conditioner is, whether the windows are double-paned, and the quality of the roof and wall insulation. Choosing an older home that is $100 cheaper in rent could lead to higher summer electricity bills.

The temperature setting of the air conditioner also makes a big difference. When at home, setting it to around 78 degrees Fahrenheit and using fans or ceiling fans can help reduce cooling costs. If your current RPU rate plan has time-of-use pricing, you can also avoid running large appliances like washers, dryers, and dishwashers during peak hours when electricity is more expensive.

Fortunately, winter is a bit easier. Winters in Riverside are relatively mild, so you don't have to worry about heating bills like you would in the northern U.S. If you have gas heating, your winter gas bill may increase depending on usage, but many households find it less burdensome than summer air conditioning costs. However, differences in home size and heating methods mean that figures like $50-$120 a month should be viewed as rough estimates.

RPU also runs rebate and support programs related to energy efficiency improvements. If you plan to replace your air conditioner, insulation, or energy-efficient equipment, it's best to check for available programs before starting any work.

Ultimately, the key to Riverside's public utilities is summer. You might live without a care in winter, but then be jolted awake by your July electricity bill. When choosing a home in Riverside, don't just look at the pretty kitchen or spacious living room. Be sure to check the condition of the air conditioning and insulation. After a few months in the heat of summer, you'll understand why I'm saying this.